On Saturday, December 8, 2007, after just finishing a game in Philadelphia, the Knicks hosted the 76ers again tonight at home.
Four games in a week, one back-to-back, the schedule wasn't dense, but it wasn't easy either.
Fortunately, through playing games in November, Pau Gasol's form clearly picked up.
New York fans didn't criticize Gasol's less than 50% shooting in the past month.
The Spanish big man had played too many games in recent years.
Whenever they encountered a weak team, Lee would usually lean the tactics towards Gasol, using pick-and-rolls, low-post isolation, and elbow-area face-up attacks.
It took nearly 20 games for Gasol to gradually regain his form.
In other teams, such a slow start would likely lead to a bottom-ranked record.
Chandler, who won the Americas Championship, didn't have these troubles.
He didn't need to handle the ball at all.
His task was to get easy points on offense, protect the rim on Defense, and occasionally participate in pick-and-rolls to provide high-quality screens.
This was a purely blue-collar style of play, but Chandler consistently delivered double-double statistics every game, which surpassed most centers in the NBA.
At 7:30 PM, over 19,000 fans poured into Madison Square Garden again.
Compared to last year, New York fans were even more invested.
Because the Celtics next door were currently 17-1, still tightly holding onto the Knicks, this also brought some pressure to the die-hard fans.
The two sides frequently engaged in online banter, but they were incredibly stable at beating weaker teams!
To achieve 60+ wins in the regular season, consistently beating weaker teams is a prerequisite.
Although the preseason odds didn't favor Boston much, the old guys really showed their worth this year.
As the game time passed, the 76ers found their familiar rhythm again.
After the fourth quarter began, Reggie Evans committed his fifth foul while facing Gasol's strong drive in the right block.
Coach Maurice Cheeks instinctively looked towards the bench.
Rookie Joakim Noah eagerly looked at the coach.
Unfortunately, after discussing with his assistant coach, Coach Cheeks made a gesture to his players, indicating no intention of making a substitution.
Reggie Evans was indeed playing well tonight, having contributed 4 offensive rebounds so far, and not losing too many defensive rebounds either.
"Oh!"
Watching Gasol make the free throw, Joakim Noah sighed in frustration.
This was completely different from the Rookie season he had imagined.
At 5-14, the 76ers were losing badly, and he hadn't gained more trust.
Although trailing by a large margin, for the 76ers, this was still a critical moment.
Louis Williams also didn't get a chance to play, having only played less than 8 minutes during the transitional period.
Noticing that the Rookie wasn't cheering for his teammates with his usual vibrancy, Louis Williams turned his head and whispered, covering his mouth:
"This is the NBA. Not everyone can be as lucky as Rajon Rondo on the other side! You know, most players just keep losing. It's completely different from what you see on TV."
Noah, with his bun hairstyle, didn't feel any better despite the comfort.
It wasn't just about losing.
The feeling of his idol being shattered was actually more painful.
When facing the Celtics at home on Wednesday, Noah got a chance.
After coming on, he happily wanted to play against his idol.
As a result, Kevin Garnett not only looked down on him but also relentlessly trash-talked the Rookie.
Before the game, he had hoped to get an autograph and a photo, but during the game, Noah was so broken by Garnett's incessant trash talk that he nearly lost it on the spot.
The two almost had a boxing match.
Luckily, Garnett retreated quickly, otherwise Noah would likely have been fined another $20,000.
Watching Andre Iguodala drive hard to the basket from the right wing, missing a contested layup, Noah also covered his mouth and complained in a low voice:
"How long are we going to keep losing! If we keep losing, we won't even have a chance to make the playoffs!"
Noticing the serious expression on the Rookie's face, Louis Williams didn't respond for a moment, only showing a "don't joke" look on his face.
When Louis Williams first came to the 76ers, he was a huge fan of Allen Iverson.
He eventually witnessed his idol being "beaten" and abandoned by Philadelphia fans.
From then on, the team entered a rebuilding period.
Louis Williams clearly knew that the playoffs were hopeless, and if they somehow squeezed in, it would most likely be a first-round exit.
"I think we still have a chance this year. We have to try hard."
Kyle Korver had already squeezed into the rotation.
Seeing his teammates silent, he proactively "injected some chicken blood," but most of the atmosphere group didn't react much.
The 76ers lacked a winning culture, getting their record harvested by the Knicks year after year.
Losing badly was their true portrayal.
As for winning?
Perhaps even the Head Coach hadn't thought about it.
Noah stared intently at the game, his mood worsening.
When he heard the coach call him, he realized that another 3 minutes had passed.
With 7 minutes and 26 seconds left in the game, the Knicks' starting lineup had not returned.
At 65-91, the game was out of suspense, and Gasol's warm-up also ended here.
Noah ran hard on the court during garbage time, actively showing himself, but David Lee also didn't want to go easy.
Both were exceptionally persistent about rebounds, making the scene quite entertaining.
Under Rajon Rondo's orchestration, the Knicks' transition offense success rate was extremely high.
The opponents grew more and more frustrated, even experiencing a scoring drought during garbage time.
With 1 minute and 46 seconds left in the game, watching the short guard Barea make a wild shot, Noah was so angry that he repeatedly slammed the ball, feeling helpless and only able to watch the end-of-bench players dominate them.
At 78-111, time expired, and Madison Square Garden erupted again.
The Celtics had only won by 16 points against their opponent, and this time, they won again!
At 19-1, thanks to playing more games, the Knicks still held steady in first place.
Noah looked around with some envy. Philadelphia's home court didn't have this kind of atmosphere.
Fans in the screaming seats even left early.
New York truly gave him a feeling of a "basketball mecca."
Andre Iguodala played 37 minutes, shooting 5-of-11 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line, contributing a mediocre 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.
As the team's leader, Philadelphia fans had high hopes for Andre Iguodala, but currently, the "Moreyball" version of Iguodala was not successful, giving a feeling of being "unable to carry."
Instead of comforting the atmosphere group immediately, Andre Iguodala, dressed in a training suit after the game, was the first to exchange pleasantries with Clay Lee.
Noticing the smile on his leader's face, Noah felt something "shatter into pieces" inside him.
Where was the promised "revenge"?
Philadelphia newspapers always shouted their slogans to the heavens, which was fine for fooling new fans and Rookies, but old fans and Andre Iguodala had already given up.
"Lee, I will always support you. Players should be free to decide their own careers. We must unite!"
In front of the scorer's table, Andre Iguodala proactively went up for a fist bump.
Watching the other party say these words with a smile on his face, Lee also said with a smile:
"There's no need to care about what the newspapers say. Players just need to focus on basketball."
Ever since Michael Jordan proactively stated that he "doesn't like the current atmosphere of the NBA," many "old veterans" have come out to speak up, with more and more players expressing their views.
Led by Charles Barkley, many insisted that it was understandable for older players to pursue championships and expressed support for "teaming up";
Isaiah Thomas, the big-mouthed former player who had been silent for several years, openly mocked this behavior and also angrily blasted the referees, stating that Michael Jordan had received preferential treatment back then, and the NBA had a star-making movement long ago.
Clay Lee personally understood "teaming up," but he was also loyal to his team, which made many reporters feel that the true GOAT was magnanimous.
New York sports media had already stripped San Antonio of its "Pure Basketball Trophy."
A few years ago, some people were still promoting the San Antonio Spurs, but after the betting scandal and the "teaming up" news, Clay Lee was, ironically, the most "pure."
Before the Christmas War, the legends and commentators were already on the verge of a heated argument.
If the Celtics' Four Giants lost, then the first-round boomerang effect would occur.
A large number of reporters gathered again in the Madison Square Garden's media studio.
Tayshaun Prince and Pau Gasol, who had outstanding performances for the Knicks in this game, quickly appeared before everyone.
ESPN reporters had been beaming recently; arguments meant news.
Although the website's update speed was getting faster and faster, they were happy to compete:
"Pau, congratulations on getting your first double-double of the season tonight. As a Finals opponent, do you agree with Tim Duncan's current choice?"
The trade hadn't happened yet, and Duncan, as the person involved, had never given a direct response, but sports reporters tacitly assumed Duncan was defecting, even helping to prepare the Los Angeles Lakers' bargaining chips.
Bynum, who had a huge conflict with Kobe, was undoubtedly the trade target.
Tim Duncan leaving to get the San Antonio Spurs a young big man was called "loyal and righteous" by sports reporters.
"I'm still not very clear about the specifics. You know, the trade hasn't happened."
Noticing that many reporters were still looking at him, Gasol shrugged his shoulders helplessly and reluctantly added:
"Making such a choice for a championship, as a professional player, I can understand it, but I prefer to stay with one team for my entire career."
"Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson both did it that way. They were my basketball Enlightenment."
Upon hearing this answer, some reporters smiled.
The Spanish big man was mocking his opponent, so there would be new content tomorrow!
Before everyone could continue to gossip, the Knicks' press officer decisively chose a New York reporter.
In fact, local New York fans didn't care much about these things.
Everyone wanted to know the internal gossip:
"Tayshaun Prince, we've received some news that if Ron Artest returns, the coaching staff will have him play off the bench. Does this mean the competition between you two has already begun?"
The taciturn Tayshaun Prince only truly came into his own this season.
In the starting lineup, Lee would even give him opportunities for individual offense.
Playing off the bench can sometimes make it difficult to get into game rhythm quickly.
Tayshaun Prince was very frank about the competition.
He didn't want to give up his position just because the Head Coach said so, so his attitude in answering the question was very firm:
"Every player who enters the NBA will face competition. I feel very lucky to be able to compete for a starting position on a championship team."
"I will follow Coach DAntoni's arrangements. The New York Knicks are a big family, and competition among brothers can bring out better performance."
"For this, I am ready!"
Tayshaun Prince, who spoke these words with his arms propped on the table, even had a smile on his long face.
The reporters below understood: he would not give up his starting position.
On Monday, December 10th, the Nets welcomed their first encounter with the New York Knicks at Izod Center.
With a record of 9 wins and 12 losses, Lawrence Frank, this "puppet Head Coach," found it difficult to satisfy the fans with his team's performance, which also led to more and more news about the New York Knicks being reported in New Jersey.
Sports reporters here called the competition between Tayshaun Prince and Ron Artest "a happy trouble," and when evaluating the home team, one article's view gained widespread recognition:
"The Cursed Black Mamba!"
Vince Carter's decline was too fast, even surpassing Allen Iverson, as the latter had more "negative news," but no one even discussed Carter's losses.
Ever since Lee bestowed this honorary title upon him, Vince Carter had been in a slump.
Not only did his career encounter problems, but his family life also became a mess, and he had already divorced his wife.
After re-signing with the Nets during the offseason, Vince Carter naturally made grand declarations in front of the fans, but as the new season began, Kidd was in poor form and suffered some injuries, and the team had a terrible start.
Whenever Vince Carter wanted to rally, an additional factor would always appear.
In the second quarter of that night's game, during a scramble for a defensive rebound, the Black Mamba stepped on a teammate's foot.
Malik Allen watched helplessly as his teammate clutched his ankle and fell to the ground in pain, while Richard Jefferson quickly came to the baseline nearby.
At the commentary table, Ian Eagle, wearing glasses, almost sighed on the spot.
Ever since he left New York in 2002 to come here, the games he commentated on always resulted in losses, and Nets fans called him "Mr. Jinx":
"It seems Vince Carter will have a hard time continuing the game. Jason Kidd just returned from injury tonight, this is too bad!"
His old partner, Jim Spanarkel, also began to shake his head.
He was not only a Duke University Hall of Famer, but as a New Jersey native, he had served as the Nets' live commentator ever since his retirement:
"Although I don't like the Celtics, I have to praise their team-building philosophy."
"The Nets are clearly in trouble. Jason Kidd can no longer help the team advance further through Defense. Perhaps we should also make a change!"
"I like Vince Carter's loyalty, so I don't want to see his peak occur during the team's low point."
The game continued, and Antoine Wright came off the bench.
As time passed, the Nets frequently missed shots, and the home fans again turned on them.
Although such situations happened every year, Kidd still couldn't accept it.
In this offense, he had Lee "watching the show" early on the right wing.
When Richard Jefferson pulled up for a jump shot in the left block, Tayshaun Prince interfered with a long arm from his right rear, and the shot ultimately bounced off the rim.
Kidd and Lee started almost simultaneously, both heading straight for where the ball would land.
"Oh!"
Near the right block, Lee was the first to secure the rebound.
Immediately, cheers erupted in the Izod Center.
Kidd's eyes twitched slightly.
This was what he disliked about New Jersey fans:
"What's there to cheer about!"
Perhaps it was his first game back from injury and he hadn't adjusted yet, but Kidd's retreat speed was very fast, even establishing a defensive position early on the left wing.
Just as he stopped, Lee, who was chasing behind him, also slowed down, as if observing the Defense, then suddenly feigned a gather.
He was still a big step away from the three-point line, but Kidd was still fooled and quickly shifted his feet.
The moment he closed in, Lee used a large push-dribble to change direction and blew past him in one step.
Cheers erupted again.
Kidd chased again, but he didn't expect Lee to dribble one step and then immediately stop short.
He tried hard to control his body but still ended up rear-ending him.
As the referee's whistle blew, Kidd leaned back, while Lee tilted his body forward, tossing the ball towards the basket with one hand.
Kidd subconsciously looked at the basket and couldn't help but freeze.
With a thud, the basketball actually banked in, and the cheers in his ears grew even louder!
"Damn it!"
He was so angry he immediately threw a punch.
Although Lee recommended him to be the Americas Championship captain, Kidd always found it difficult to control his emotions during home games.
After cursing under his breath, he started yelling at the sideline referee.
When Kidd thought of the current trend of "teaming up," his anger grew even stronger, and his future seemed bleak.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
When Lee stepped onto the free throw line, the shouts in the Izod Center grew louder.
Next to the paint, Richard Jefferson's face was dark.
The game had just begun, and he was already fed up with the home atmosphere.
2:10, a four-point play, and the score difference instantly widened.
It was as if injuries had sapped Kidd's offensive prowess.
In the following minutes, Lee always stood outside the three-point line with his old opponent, directing traffic.
The pick-and-rolls were all deep drop Defense, and after a few UCLA cuts, the big man even made passing turnovers, causing Kidd to completely stop attacking for a while.
The Nets' score slowly increased.
Without Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson took on the offensive burden, frequently clanking shots, allowing the New York Knicks to gradually widen the score difference.
When Coach Lawrence Frank called a timeout, Kidd again took on the role of a Head Coach, setting up plays, but it had little effect once they returned to the court.
It seemed no different from usual.
At the end of the first quarter, 34:17, the home team Nets were once again trailing.
"Since the start of the new season, our games have always been slow to warm up. Coach Lawrence Frank and his coaching staff must solve this problem as soon as possible."
"Clay Lee's form is too good, I can't even describe it. He gives me the feeling that every shot he takes will go in."
"If the team doesn't make changes, it will be difficult for us to defeat them. After moving to Brooklyn, I don't want to see the home arena filled with New York fans."
Jim Spanarkel commented on the game helplessly.
He had deep feelings for the Nets, but he had become increasingly disappointed in recent years, as the neighboring team had almost absorbed all the fans in the surrounding area.
"Our home arena is full of traitors," Ian Eagle really wanted to say this during the broadcast, but he ultimately controlled his emotions and once again painted a picture:
"The game has just begun, we still have a chance, Jason Kidd needs to show some aggression!"
"..."
At 10:40 PM, the game ended, and Jason Kidd and Vince Carter attended the press conference, both looking grim and unwilling to speak.
116:81, the Nets surrendered early.
The only thing worth mentioning in the game was that Kidd recorded a triple-double!
3-of-9 from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, 4-of-4 from the free throw line, 11 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers.
Jason Kidd gave his all.
Although he delivered a decent stat line, sports reporters after the game did not focus on his performance.
After "digging," many reporters recently obtained some inside information:
"It is said that the Los Angeles Lakers recruited you during the offseason, Vince, why did you refuse this invitation?"
Mentioning this, Vince Carter felt a bit dejected.
That bastard Kobe stole his exclusive title.
After his 81-point game, Kobe became the "Special Mamba," while Vince Carter himself had been in a slump:
"I'm not interested in playing in Los Angeles. You won't see two Mambas on one team!"
"Many players in the NBA now want to team up, but I won't do that. I don't want to team up with other All-Star players just for a championship."
Kidd was in a bad mood, and hearing his partner's words, he immediately took over, looking at the reporters below and saying with a serious expression:
"They will set a bad example for young people. If 30-year-old All-Stars teaming up can't win a championship, then young people in the future might also start forming teams."
"Basketball shouldn't be like this. Lee and I are the same. We are both old-school players. If we can't win a championship as core players, then the championship loses its meaning."
"..."
The reporters below nodded in agreement.
The captain still had gravitas.
Kidd's words showed the belief of an old-school star.
As for whether he would be proven wrong in the future, that was not their concern.
Kidd and Carter also participated in the "super team" discussion.
As the Christmas War approached, the related topic's popularity grew higher and higher.
The Seattle SuperSonics, who officially arrived in New York this new season, were not interested in participating in this topic, as they were too young and had no say in the NBA.
With a record of 5 wins and 17 losses, the Seattle SuperSonics had already begun their dive for the number one pick, basically losing almost every game.
The NBA did take care of the new generation of stars.
This year's Christmas War, the Seattle SuperSonics and the Portland Trail Blazers also secured a spot, but the attention on their matchup significantly decreased due to Greg Oden's injury.
On Wednesday afternoon, Kevin Durant, carrying a green backpack, attracted a lot of attention when he appeared at Madison Square Garden.
Lee also took good care of the Rookie, proactively visiting Kevin Durant, who had participated in the training camp, in the locker room.
Under the watchful eyes of reporters, the two exchanged a friendly fist bump.
"Kevin has performed very well. It's clear he's been honing his skills. I'm glad our previous discussions could help him!"
Low efficiency, occasional clanks in some games, and a playing style that drew criticism—Kevin Durant had recently faced doubts.
Lee spoke up this time, and the Rookie was very grateful, bowing his head in front of reporters and saying:
"Lee taught me many skills. He is the true GOAT!"
"Basketball doesn't lie. Compared to the Celtics, I support the New York Knicks more. I want to play like Lee, and in the future, I will lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a championship."
Seattle sports reporters had always worried about the team moving, but upon hearing Kevin Durant express his "loyalty," everyone couldn't help but smile.
This was a true core player!
Yahoo Sports paid close attention to this "cross-generational genius," but they also didn't mind putting Kevin Durant in a difficult spot:
"Kevin, if you keep losing like Allen Iverson, will you change your mind in the future?"
As a Rookie, it was difficult to answer questions about an older veteran.
However, Lee smiled and patted a somewhat nervous Kevin Durant, who looked troubled, and said meaningfully:
"God always takes care of some kids. Look at Kevin's height. This is his unique talent. He and Allen Iverson are not the same type of player."
"Perhaps in the future, I will meet him in the Finals. We all know that young people will definitely take over the next era!"
Hearing this wonderful blessing, the smile couldn't be hidden on Kevin Durant's somewhat youthful face.
Although his goddess was taken again, he temporarily forgave Lee:
"I don't know if I can do it, but I will do my best to achieve this goal."
"Although I am young, I don't like the current atmosphere in the NBA. I will never join an opposing team. I'd rather win a championship through hard work!"
The Seattle SuperSonics had been blown out by the San Antonio Spurs not long ago.
Although Tim Duncan didn't mock the Rookie, Kevin Durant hadn't forgotten it, and quietly mocked the veteran at this moment.
Looking at the confident Kevin Durant, Lee smiled and nodded in approval.
He believed this this newcomer wouldn't disappoint him!
Before the game, the two exchanged pleasantries.
After the game started at 7:30 PM, Durant found himself struggling against the opponent's help defense, with frequent card-swiping and physical contact making things difficult.
When Lee switched onto him, he was forced to resort to pull-up jumpers.
The score was 87-117.
Even after the loss, New York fans applauded Durant, as many were witnessing such ball-handling skills from someone his height for the first time.
The lively atmosphere at Madison Square Garden made Durant somewhat envious, but he still felt a little regretful for not seeing his goddess in person.
Walking slowly towards the player tunnel, Durant looked at Clay Lee surrounded by reporters on the court and recalled that blessing, secretly encouraging himself:
"In three years, I will win the championship!"
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)