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***
On tuesday, June 6, 2006, the sports media and commentators had less and less time for self-deception this season.
Every year before the regular season begins, many championship contenders emerge, and commentators and local columnists suffer from amnesia, throwing all memories of last season's beatings out of their minds.
However, as the playoffs deepen, the "Clay Lee hype" returns, and the amnesia is cured, even big mouths like Pippen fall silent.
This trick has been popular since the early 1980s, with the "Magic-Bird rivalry" being a prime example of the instigation between Los Angeles and Boston.
In the 90s, everyone loved to see Michael Jordan break down.
Michael, who lacked a sense of entertainment, grew tired of the media and attention, but the old routine always worked, and fans still bought into it.
In the 21st century, as a new generation superstar, the true GOAT Clay Lee pioneered another form of entertainment:
"Outputting for Idols"
Sports fans across America are very loyal, with an extremely large number of team supporters.
Hometown teams always resonate more, which is why young fans frequently go on the offensive online.
As the biggest winner of the 21st century, New York Knicks fans and Lee's personal followers are in an "invincible" state of online confrontation all year round.
At halftime of NBA Finals Game 1, the "invincible" New York fans started their venomous mode.
Large groups of revelers gathered on both sides of the player tunnel, taking the opportunity to loudly mock:
"Floating outside, jumping and shooting, marshmallow! Tell me, what flavor are you?!"
"Oh! You're as soft as paper!"
"Hey! Dallas cupcake, come eat my shit"
"..."
The atmosphere of the regular season and the NBA Finals is completely different.
After all, NBA Finals tickets are more expensive, big stars don't care about dollars, and ordinary fans who buy tickets to support are die-hard fans.
Dallas Mavericks staff escorted the players quickly into the player tunnel, the laughter and jeers from both sides turning Dirk Nowitzki's face pale with anger.
Reaching out and pouring a bottle of drinking water over his head, Dirk Nowitzki threw the bottle away, letting out a frustrated yell: "Fuck!"
With both online and offline practice, New York fans' trash-talking ability is comparable to the New York Knicks' strength.
In major games, most players can't stand it.
New York Knicks players received completely different treatment.
Similarly escorted back to the player tunnel by team staff, fans on both sides cheered wildly.
Enthusiastic fans shouting Lee's name wished they could directly rush up.
Perhaps having read too much of the Wall Street Journal, young blonde girls always liked to gather in this spot to watch the game.
Lee barely broke a sweat after playing only 17 minutes in the first half.
The atmosphere squad, who got more playing time, was also in high spirits, unable to hide the smiles on their faces.
"Rookies really are no good! This is definitely the easiest NBA Finals in recent years!"
Ron Artest entered the player tunnel, grinning widely and mocking loudly.
He had even shaved his head to show his determination before the NBA Finals, but before he could even exert himself, the opponent had already fallen.
Gasol also breathed a complete sigh of relief.
In these NBA Finals over the years, it was either O'Neal or Duncan.
Although Dirk Nowitzki is strong, his impact on the game still relies on offense.
Unlike Duncan, who requires deliberate consumption, Dirk Nowitzki has limited influence on the Defense end.
The New York Knicks would not lose out in a scoring shootout.
"There are still two quarters left. Although I don't think they can close the gap, theoretically there's still a chance."
Back in the locker room, Hill interrupted Ron Artest's bragging.
Better safe than sorry.
In a crushing game, they should seize the victory in one go.
44:60. The Dallas Mavericks played well during the rotation, but the 18:32 deficit in the first quarter was still too large.
Lee glanced at the technical statistics.
Stackhouse, coming off the bench, played well, hitting two crucial three-pointers and contributing 10 points in the quarter:
"They'll switch back to their starters in the second half. We'll speed up with them and limit them one-on-one."
Many possessions started with Dirk Nowitzki orchestrating the offense, eventually turning into individual isolation plays.
Hearing Lee's reminder, Ron Artest confidently guaranteed again:
"I'll guard Stackhouse. That guy seems to have forgotten the days he lost a few years ago."
Raja Bell, with a slight calf strain, didn't push himself.
In fact, the opponent had indeed opened up the game through him.
By the time D'Antoni returned to the locker room, the self-adjustment was already complete.
A mature championship team doesn't need much guidance.
Mike D'Antoni had long understood the true meaning of winning.
At this moment, he only offered encouragement:
"Don't be careless. We need to extend the lead to 20 points in the 3rd quarter! The4th quarter is the real showtime."
"It's time to correct those mistaken views from the outside. west strong, east weak?? We need to remind them what true dominance is!"
Lee led the applause and cheers.
Entering the familiar rhythm of crushing opponents, everyone was in high spirits.
The weaker the opponent, the more playing time they get, which is a dream opportunity for many.
As the second half was about to begin, Hubie Brown was still expressing regret at the ABC commentary table, believing the Dallas Mavericks should have played better:
"In the first quarter, when they fell behind 0:9, the adjustment was still a bit slow. The role of core players is to make those answering shots."
"When perimeter players are tightly guarded, they should get the ball to Dirk Nowitzki more often. Against an NBA Finals opponent like the New York Knicks, mistakes come at a price."
The halftime show kept the Madison Square Garden atmosphere hot.
Mike Breen didn't follow the "IF" statements, agreeing with a hum, then lightly discussed his expectations for the 3rd quarter:
"The Dallas Mavericks will face a severe test again. Without a doubt, Clay Lee will take over the game again in the third quarter."
"Perhaps they should try to lower their lineup. Erick Dampier failed to protect the rim. Hopefully Avery Johnson can adjust in time."
The Dallas Mavericks players arrived early on the court to warm up, and the director also focused the camera on this season's Coach of the Year (COY).
The Little General was initially sitting on the bench, idle, but later wished he could play himself.
Avery Johnson quickly gave tactical instructions, and the Dallas Mavericks' assistant coach, Silver Fox Harris, was pulling Jason Terry aside, talking non-stop.
Visibly nervous, after all, the New York Knicks had never lost when leading by 15+ points.
To turn the tide, the Dallas Mavericks players had to put in a perfect performance.
As the 3rd quarter was about to begin, the camera showed James Dolan, who was chatting and laughing with Donnie Walsh under the basket.
Mark Cuban, with a long face, sat on the other side under the basket.
The big-mouthed owner was quite annoyed in the first half.
New York fans responsible for distracting free throws would occasionally pay attention to him.
In the first half, the director captured Cuban interacting with fans more than once.
Dallas Mavericks inbounded the ball from the baseline.
Jason Terry looked at Clay Lee, who was guarding him, put the ball down with his left hand, and then accelerated forward.
He dribbled behind his back while moving, then turned his body sideways and dribbled past the half-court line.
At the start of the game, he still wanted to show off some flashy moves, but now Jason Terry just wanted to execute the tactical play as quickly as possible.
His physical disadvantage made it difficult for him to shake off the Defense one-on-one.
Unlike the first half, Erick Dampier came early to the left wing to set a screen for Jason Terry.
Dirk Nowitzki stopped on the right wing, while Josh Howard and Stackhouse ran to the left and right corners to create space.
The guard setting a screen for Dirk Nowitzki to switch Defense didn't work in the first half, so the Dallas Mavericks tried to attack Gasol to open up the offense.
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive cheers, Erick Dampier came to the three-point line and stood still.
Jason Terry, holding the ball with his right hand and protecting it with his body, quickly used the screen to accelerate horizontally.
Gasol also quickly switched Defense to delay, and at the same time, Lee also squeezed through the screen immediately, continuing to chase.
Jason Terry had an opportunity to pull up for a long two-point jumper at the top of the arc, but he seemed to have lost confidence in his shooting, eventually continuing to drive down the middle.
With a tall defender with long arms dropping back in front and Lee sliding to chase from the side, Erick Dampier rolled to the basket, and Jason Terry couldn't find an outlet pass for a moment.
Jason Terry drove to the basket, circled around, and almost stepped out of bounds, consuming 15 seconds of the shot clock.
This prompted Avery Johnson to yell reminders from the sideline.
Dirk Nowitzki then actively squeezed to the right elbow area.
When Jason Terry sent out the pass, Prince followed up to steal.
Stumbling to receive the ball, Dirk Nowitzki took advantage of the defensive mispositioning, pivoted on his right foot, quickly turned, gathered the ball, and then, leaning back, shot a fadeaway jumper.
The basketball bounced twice but still dropped into the basket.
Dirk Nowitzki roared excitedly, then celebrated with a fist pump.
46:60, the difference is still within reach.
The Dallas Mavericks didn't execute the desired play.
D'Antoni, sitting on the bench, didn't get up.
Such a goal was completely acceptable.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The cheering that echoed through the Madison Square Garden appeared again.
Josh Howard continued to guard Lee, and Jason Terry followed Hill to the right corner.
In the second half, the Dallas Mavericks also did not choose a zone Defense.
Dirk Nowitzki also followed Prince to the right wing.
Noticing that Josh Howard always maintained a defensive distance, Lee, holding the ball with his right hand, immediately beckoned as he approached the top of the arc.
Ron Artest began to move to the left corner, while Gasol, to the lower left of the basket, slowly shuffled his feet upwards.
Erick Dampier was a bit unsure of Lee's plan, but he still loudly reminded his teammates up top, constantly shouting Josh Howard's name, indicating that he had already followed up to defend.
Before the screen could happen, Gasol had just moved into the paint when Lee at the top of the arc slightly raised his center of gravity, then suddenly lunged forward and accelerated.
Instantly lowering his center of gravity, Lee, flying low to the ground, took huge strides.
Josh Howard's instinctive slide to the back left was already too late, and he stumbled at the three-point line.
Watching his teammate almost fall headfirst onto the free-throw line, Erick Dampier in the paint and Dirk Nowitzki up top stood dumbfounded.
The Dallas Mavericks' help Defense was a beat too slow.
Clay Lee, breaking into the paint, gathered the ball smoothly.
After three big strides, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and delivered another one-handed slam dunk!
"Oh!"
Excited shouts came from his ears.
Josh Howard straightened up and helplessly adjusted the blue headband on his head.
His dark face showed a frustrated expression as he turned to look at the Head Coach on the sideline.
Avery Johnson continuously gestured tactical hand signals, but in his mind, memories of losing games with the San Antonio Spurs involuntarily surfaced.
While Lee continued to lead the Defense, he also extended his right hand to signal a tactical play.
Soon, Ron Artest and Hill simultaneously pressured their respective matchups.
Jason Terry was almost forced to stop at the left sideline.
Stackhouse actively retreated to receive the pass, and Ron Artest quickly chased him down.
Leading Lee towards the left corner, Jason Terry loudly called for his teammates to create offensive space.
Dirk Nowitzki, protecting the ball with his body, came to the right wing and was still battling with Prince.
Seeing Stackhouse stop the ball, he quickly went up to screen.
In a localized 2-on-2 situation, Dirk Nowitzki screened and then horizontally separated, quickly moving to the three-point line.
Stackhouse, facing Prince who had switched onto him, tried to force a drive, but was forced to slow down at the three-point line.
He still wanted a second pick-and-roll, but Ron Artest was squeezed behind Dirk Nowitzki, plus Prince's long-arm interference, Stackhouse returned to beyond the three-point line but still couldn't shake off the Defense.
"Whoa!"
Seeing the opponent's constipated offense, the jeers and cheers grew louder.
Dirk Nowitzki, exasperated, simply used his height advantage to once again back to the basket in the right elbow area, demanding the ball.
Ron Artest again strongly defended his lower body, and while Stackhouse was passing, he didn't forget to step forward and interfere.
Jumping to receive the ball, Dirk Nowitzki had just landed when he was again pressured by Ron Artest.
He put the ball down with his left hand, intending to post up forcefully, but his foot slipped, and he suddenly fell to the floor.
Prince immediately picked up the ball.
Facing Stackhouse's attempt to steal it back, he simply hugged the ball to his chest.
The Dallas Mavericks had time to retreat on Defense.
Although Dirk Nowitzki was unlucky to step on sweat on the floor, Ron Artest, who had completed the Defense, didn't care about any of that, repeatedly pounding his chest and roaring.
Watching everyone retreat in disarray, Hubie Brown sighed again, not expecting the Dallas Mavericks' offense to show no changes in the second half:
"The Dallas Mavericks must make it easier for Dirk Nowitzki to receive the ball. Perhaps they should consider a low-post offense."
Mike Breen, beside him, was in an even better mood.
Noticing Lee slowly dribbling past half-court, seemingly calling for Prince to screen, he immediately said:
"It's time to test Dirk Nowitzki's Defense. I hope the Dallas Mavericks are ready."
The laughter, jeers, and giggling made Dirk Nowitzki's face turn ugly as he retreated on Defense.
He felt humiliated, and his breathing quickened for a moment.
Prince came from the left wing to the top of the arc to set a screen.
Seeing Lee dribble behind his back, he immediately pushed off his feet and accelerated to split.
Dirk Nowitzki, who had followed out on Defense, originally intended to cooperate with his teammate for a deep hedge, but Josh Howard misunderstood, instinctively switched Defense, cut off the passing lane, and ran with Prince.
Too late to call out to his teammates, Dirk Nowitzki raised his right arm and quickly slid.
Clay Lee, who was about to run into his opponent's arms, suddenly pulled the ball back between his legs.
As he stopped suddenly on the left wing, his footwork reset.
Lee, with the ball in his right hand, slightly turned his head to look at Dirk Nowitzki's left side.
His eye fake successfully tricked the opponent into retracting his foot and shifting his center of gravity.
Lee reset his footwork again, performing a quick scissor step, instantly completing a crossover, switching to his left hand, and accelerating with a lowered shoulder.
Dirk Nowitzki had no reaction whatsoever.
When Lee squeezed past his right side, he originally tried to shuffle his feet and pull, but instead, he was pushed by the hand protecting the ball.
"Ah!"
Joyful shouts echoed through the Madison Square Garden.
The New York fans on site didn't notice the details.
Everyone just felt that Lee stopped and changed direction, and with one acceleration, he blew past Dirk Nowitzki, who was standing still.
The perimeter Defense was easily broken.
Erick Dampier, stopped below the basket on the right, was stunned again.
He instinctively shuffled his feet, trying to help on Defense, but felt a bit timid.
Hesitating, he stopped in the paint, and Erick Dampier watched as Lee grabbed the ball with his left hand and shot it down for a powerful dunk!
Turning to look at the New York Knicks players high-fiving under the basket, Dirk Nowitzki cursed softly in frustration.
He haphazardly ran a hand through his hair, repeatedly high-fiving himself to pump himself up.
46:64, the huge deficit made the Dallas Mavericks bench even quieter.
The impatient Dirk Nowitzki no longer screened for his teammates.
On the offensive possession, he came to the right block and then accelerated past the baseline.
Jason Terry, protecting the ball with his body, quickly switched hands and moved to the left wing.
Near the left baseline, Dirk Nowitzki couldn't shake off Prince, and Jason Terry's pass was also high and slow.
Dirk Nowitzki, receiving the ball, strongly leaned into the defender beside him.
Before he could dribble with his right hand, Lee from the perimeter suddenly helped on Defense, appearing in front of him.
He immediately threw the ball to Jason Terry beyond the three-point line.
Dirk Nowitzki released the ball in time, but the latter did not choose an open jump shot, but rather put the ball down with his right hand and drove forward.
In the paint, Jason Terry was again chased and interfered with by Lee.
Finally, Jason Terry leaned into the Defense and forced a step-back floater.
The basketball bounced off the rim, and this time, Erick Dampier successfully poked the ball from behind Gasol, with the ball falling into the basket during the scramble.
The Dallas Mavericks players didn't have time to celebrate.
After a quick inbound from the baseline, Lee suddenly accelerated, chasing after the retreating Defense across half-court.
At the top of the arc, Josh Howard had just settled into position.
Lee, near the three-point line, followed with a sudden stop, dribbling between his legs to his left hand while lowering his center of gravity.
Instinctively sliding to the right, Josh Howard still tried to interfere, but the moment his left hand touched the ball, Lee covertly performed an In and Out move.
As his body swayed to the right, he pushed the ball outwards, deceiving his opponent's center of gravity again.
Lee suddenly sped up his dribble, instantly completing a front-of-the-body crossover, leaving Josh Howard rooted to the spot once more.
Amidst the fans' cheers, Lee, with the ball in his right hand, lowered his shoulder and accelerated, driving straight to the basket through the middle.
Stackhouse, guarding the right corner, noticed Dirk Nowitzki still standing and watching the ball at the top, and reluctantly moved to help defend the paint.
While in motion, Lee suddenly passed the ball, which flew directly to the upper right of the basket.
Stackhouse, who had been moving his feet, froze in place.
All the Dallas Mavericks players turned their heads, only then noticing that Hill had quietly cut from the right corner to under the basket, soaring into the air to easily catch the ball and slam it into the hoop with both hands!
48:66, the difference reached 20 points, and the game basically lost its suspense.
Avery Johnson expressionlessly called a timeout, and Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
The flashy dribbling and spectacular alley-oops made the New York fans cheer to their heart's content.
Sometimes, even blowouts can be entertaining, as star performances are important.
Although there were no picturesque pull-up jumpers, Lee's moments of toying with his opponents were equally exciting.
Mike Breen was delighted. He was a fan who didn't mind blowout games.
Watching the New York Knicks' atmosphere squad bounce and jump onto the court, he commented lightheartedly:
"Watching Lee's games will make you fall in love with basketball! What wonderful dribbling. No matter how many times I watch it, I'll praise it from the bottom of my heart!"
Not mentioning the Dallas Mavericks' comeback, Hubie Brown knew this game had no suspense, and the old coach also joined in the bragging:
"Clay Lee once again dictated the game. There's a huge difference in NBA Finals experience between the two sides."
"From the perspective of core players, Clay Lee can change the Defense. Dirk Nowitzki must punish his matchup, otherwise, the Dallas Mavericks will find it difficult to open up the game in the later matches."
After the timeout, Rookie Devin Harris entered the game, and Jason Terry was subbed out.
The Dallas Mavericks hadn't given up yet.
On the offensive possession, Harris, who had just entered, actively signaled Erick Dampier to come up for a pick-and-roll.
Before his teammate could set, Harris, with the ball in his right hand, suddenly leaned forward and accelerated.
Inside the paint, Harris gathered the ball early, leaned his body forward, and attempted a scoop layup.
Harris thought he had shaken off the Defense, but as the ball left his hand and flew towards the backboard, it was blocked by Lee's left hand, who arrived later but faster.
Watching Lee control the ball after landing, Harris, who almost stumbled out of bounds, quickly straightened up and worked hard to lead the Defense and delay.
During his limited playing time in the first half, he had already committed three fouls early.
It seemed he was holding back a breath, as Harris constantly gave physical contact while sliding.
There was a significant difference in their physiques.
Lee, tanking along the left sideline, drove with the Defense hanging on him, reaching the left wing.
Amidst the cheers and jeers of the front-row fans, Lee, near the three-point line, showed no signs of slowing down.
Harris adjusted his position, trying to squeeze in front to establish a defensive stance.
Just as he increased his stride, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, suddenly dribbled the ball forward.
Harris instinctively chased the ball and almost did the splits.
The moment he reached out, the basketball spun and bounced back into Lee's hand.
With the ball back in his left hand, Lee smoothly pulled back with a crossover step.
Harris still tried to close out to the three-point line, but his feet moved, and he did the splits again.
Stumbling to the floor, Harris ultimately watched Lee gather the ball and calmly shoot a jump shot from the left wing!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
Spike Lee, on the sidelines, with a large orange bandana wrapped around his head, was now laughing hysterically.
Some front-row fans were also enjoying the spectacle, joining in the loud taunts:
"Kid! Being fast is useless! This is the NBA Finals!"
"Rookie, go to the gym and lift weights for a few years."
Standing up and looking at Lee, who had a smile on his face beside him, Devin Harris's youthful face showed an angry expression.
Unfortunately, in the next few minutes, Dirk Nowitzki kept demanding the ball.
For several consecutive possessions, from near the left and right baselines, Dirk Nowitzki, after slipping along the baseline, would receive the ball and launch an awkward jump shot.
His decisive offense paid off, but on the other end, with a simple high pick-and-roll, Erick Dampier and Dirk Nowitzki could only watch Clay Lee drive strong to the basket.
The Dallas Mavericks played individually, while the New York Knicks continuously drove and dished.
Both teams' scores increased, and the game entered a back-and-forth rhythm.
With a combination of shooting and free throws, Dirk Nowitzki scored for three consecutive possessions.
The New York fans on site started to jeer, shouting "Stat-padding."
The New York Knicks continued to respond.
Dirk Nowitzki, whose mentality had exploded, missed a layup after driving to the basket.
The fans, enjoying the show, loudly shouted "Overrated."
The Dallas Mavericks continued to make substitutions.
Diop replaced Erick Dampier, and Stackhouse started to take the ball and attack.
In the latter half of the third quarter, the Dallas Mavericks began to commit turnovers again, giving away points helplessly.
When Keith Van Horn replaced the frustrated Dirk Nowitzki, it was basically a surrender.
The New York Knicks also timely substituted Hill, bringing back veteran Finley.
In the last two minutes, Lee also started throwing up wild shots.
A three-pointer on a fast break clanked off the rim, and both teams began a continuous back-and-forth, making the game more lively.
The incredibly fast Harris got a few good opportunities in these possessions, but with too much contact, the Rookie's two close-range layups bounced off the rim.
The Dallas Mavericks, now with two point guards, completely entered isolation mode.
Terry seized an opportunity to sink a three-pointer, but in the final few possessions, he committed fouls on the defensive end.
By the time the third quarter ended, the Dallas Mavericks players on the court stared blankly at the scoreboard behind them.
71:92. After a quarter of struggle, the game entered garbage time.
The friendly interaction with the New York fans left Dirk Nowitzki, sitting in his seat, physically and mentally exhausted.
As Avery Johnson held the tactical board and instructed the atmosphere group, Dirk Nowitzki sat motionless in his seat, his head covered with a towel.
Losing wasn't terrifying, after all, the series was seven games, but losing in such a manner left the Dallas Mavericks players silent.
The fourth quarter continued. Fisher, Raja Bell, Finley, Diop, and Gadzuric were still working hard.
On the Dallas Mavericks' side, Harris, Adrian Griffin, Stackhouse, Keith Van Horn, and DeSagana Diop hadn't completely given up either.
D'Antoni was actually a bit apprehensive coming into the NBA Finals, which is why he elevated Prince to the starting lineup and had been emphasizing Defense these past few days.
But winning so easily tonight, coach D'Antoni completely relaxed.
Leaning back in his chair, he began to posture tactically:
"A Rookie is just a Rookie!"
As time elapsed in the game, at the ABC commentary table, Mike Breen, seeing that the point difference still hadn't narrowed, summarized the game briefly while Finley was shooting free throws:
"The Dallas Mavericks' slow start and chaotic tactics in the opening ultimately cost them."
"Dirk Nowitzki played very well, but to win the game, he must continue to elevate his performance."
Playing 32 minutes, 7-of-15 shooting, 6-of-6 from the free throw line, 20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 turnover.
Although he scored the team's highest points, Dirk Nowitzki still had to take the blame for the loss.
Hubie Brown, watching the Dallas Mavericks players continue to miss shots, could only subtly comment on their performance tonight:
"Game 2 is very crucial. The Dallas Mavericks need to play with a sense of desperation. Perhaps they could consider shortening their rotation. There's no turning back in the NBA Finals."
"Defense on Clay Lee is very critical. Harris hasn't adapted to the intensity of the NBA Finals. I hope Head Coach Avery Johnson can come up with a counter-strategy."
Playing 29 minutes, 10-of-15 shooting, 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, 7-of-7 from the free throw line, 31 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, no turnovers.
Clay Lee, who scored the game-high, put up a seemingly ordinary double-double, but the content was far more exciting than an Excel sheet.
At least the sports reporters on site felt that tonight's game was quite entertaining.
With 6 minutes and 21 seconds left in the game, the point difference was still 20 points.
Dirk Nowitzki did not return, and the Dallas Mavericks completely conceded.
As the final seconds ticked away, Madison Square Garden erupted in wave after wave of cheers.
97:119, the New York Knicks decisively defeated their opponent, securing a winning start to the NBA Finals.
Dirk Nowitzki, with a serious expression, ignored the New York fans on both sides and quickly walked towards the player tunnel.
Completely different from what he had imagined, it was a nightmare start to the NBA Finals.
Jason Terry, following behind, had lost his pre-game excitement.
Perhaps ABC had packaged him as a star player, but unfortunately, he completely fell apart tonight.
5-of-15 shooting, 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, 3-of-5 from the free throw line, 14 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 turnovers.
As the team's second-leading scorer, Terry's performance made it very difficult for the Dallas Mavericks to win.
The New York Knicks players were all beaming with joy, but only Finley felt conflicted, as he genuinely didn't want to face his former team in the NBA Finals.
Fisher noticed Finley's mood.
After returning to the locker room, he showed a warm smile, leaned over, and simply comforted him:
"Michael, don't think about issues outside of basketball anymore. If you feel bad about it, you can choose to return after your contract ends, just like me."
"Then you can share your championship experience with your friends. Believe me, that's the best option. Maybe Dirk will even thank you."
"..."
Finley was speechless.
He felt that once they experienced the New York Knicks' beating, the two sides would become mortal enemies, and sharing experience would most likely not work:
"I hope so...."
Unlike the dejected players, Avery Johnson maintained his composure, smiling and shaking hands with D'Antoni at the scorer's table.
"This was an impressive game. We learned a lot from the defending champions!"
D'Antoni looked at the Rookie coach in front of him, a smile also appearing on his face, and cordially exchanged pleasantries:
"Failure is the best catalyst. I know your potential!"
Avery Johnson's smile froze.
He felt that the old man in front of him seemed to be mocking him.
As he turned and walked towards the player tunnel, a piercing shout came from his ear.
The Little General didn't like New York.
The New York Knicks had stolen his championship, and he still couldn't get over the San Antonio Spurs' loss that year.
Scott, on the sidelines, was dressed in a neat brown suit.
As with every NBA Finals, the loyal New York fans hadn't left after the game.
Everyone was still celebrating tonight's victory.
When Lee finished comforting the fans and came to the sidelines, the reporter skillfully offered congratulations and then asked a question:
"This was indeed a perfect game, Lee. Congratulations on winning Game 1. Let's talk about your new opponents in the NBA Finals. They seem to still be adapting to the game's intensity."
"How would you rate the strength shown by the Dallas Mavericks?"
Having changed into the New York Knicks' white practice uniform early, most of the game's traces had disappeared from Lee's body, which was enough to indicate the intensity of tonight's game:
"We've been following the Dallas Mavericks since the regular season. Perhaps they were a bit nervous. Tonight, they were too slow to get into the game."
"A 22-point difference is not the true level of the Dallas Mavericks!"
Scott smiled and nodded in agreement.
This was indeed a fair assessment, but before he could ask his second question, Lee paused and then seriously added:
"Losing by 15 points every game, that's the Dallas Mavericks' true strength!"
"..."
The ABC staff and Scott suddenly fell silent.
Seeing the few people beside him suddenly freeze, Lee raised an eyebrow and continued to smile, saying:
"This is a reasonable data analysis. In fact, this year's New York Knicks are a historic super team!"
"We showed dominance in the Eastern Conference playoffs, and it's the same in the NBA Finals."
As Lee gave a lecture, analyzing the Dallas Mavericks' scoring composition, Scott and the others were stunned.
This was blatant mockery.
For the Dallas Mavericks, losing by less means winning?
Dirk Nowitzki actually didn't want to attend the post-game press conference, but league regulations mandated it, so he had no choice but to sit on the stage.
His messy hair seemed to indicate Dirk Nowitzki's mood at the moment.
Jason Terry, beside him, also had his head down, the frustration in his heart not yet subsided.
Both were wearing light gray suits.
Dallas sports reporters, worried that their star player would be put on the spot, proactively asked a question:
"Dirk, tonight we played well in the latter three quarters. Talk about the reason for the slow start. We had a chance to win the game."
The New York reporters below chuckled.
Like most commentators, they also looked down on Dallas and Dirk Nowitzki.
Dirk Nowitzki awkwardly fiddled with the microphone.
Losing by so much wasn't just a one-quarter problem.
Being too thin-skinned, the German could only apologize subtly:
"Sorry, we were too nervous at the start. This isn't our usual standard."
"After the game, we didn't blame each other. We also faced difficulties in the Western Conference semifinals. United, we will be the first to win 4 games."
The ESPN reporter didn't want to hear these platitudes.
Raising his hand and getting permission, he immediately provoked Jason Terry, asking:
"Terry, talk about your feelings of matching up against Clay Lee in the NBA Finals? We all want to know how this differs from the regular season."
Thinking of the Rookie Harris, who almost went into self-isolation after the game, Terry showed an awkward smile.
He no longer made grand statements, but reluctantly offered two praises:
"It's hard to describe. More focused, more aggressive. Clay Lee's influence on the game is beyond our imagination. He's everywhere on both offense and Defense."
"We watched a lot of film before the game, but it's only when you truly match up against him that you physically experience that pressure."
While continuing to utter words of praise, Jason Terry didn't show much emotion on his face, but he was very troubled in his heart.
This year was his contract year:
"Hope it doesn't affect my big contract..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)