On sunday, May 25, 2008, during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals that evening at the TD Garden, the emotions of the Boston fans were like a rollercoaster.
When Paul Pierce, clutching his thigh and covering his backside, was carried onto a wheelchair by his teammates with a pained expression, many even covered their faces, thinking, "Without our main scorer, the game is surely lost!"
Fans hoped Pierce would return as soon as possible, but by halftime, there was still no definite news, which seemed to indicate a severe injury.
During halftime, all Celtics fans were hopeful, but unfortunately, Pierce still did not appear.
ESPN reporters even made an urgent live connection, providing firsthand news to viewers in front of their televisions from outside the home team's locker room:
"Celtics staff indicate that they do not rule out the possibility of Pierce withdrawing from the game. He appears to have pulled his thigh, and the team doctor is currently providing emergency treatment!"
"..."
After Pierce's injury, Ray Allen stepped up, not only taking on the crucial task of guarding Lee on Defense but also consistently responding with outside shots on offense.
Thanks to Ray Allen's excellent individual performance of 12 points in a single quarter, the halftime score was set at 55:43, with the deficit still within reach.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Celtics locker room was a bit strange.
Head Coach Rivers had already received the news, but after not seeing Pierce for a long time, he couldn't help but complain to the team doctor:
"Damn it! How much longer do we need? We must narrow the gap to single digits in the third quarter!"
The staff member who heard the question looked embarrassed.
After Pierce pulled down his pants, he was essentially in a state of continuous discharge and was still in the restroom, completely weakened from the exertion:
"We might need to be prepared. Pau needs to eat something when he comes back. He can't return to the game in this condition."
After Kevin Garnett and the others learned the inside story, they didn't know what to say.
To save Pierce's face, the team even commandeered a restroom, where Pierce was currently relieving himself comfortably.
"No time! James, get ready, we must win this game!"
Hearing Kevin Garnett's call, James Posey immediately agreed, and the atmosphere group also started cheering.
By the time the players were ready to enter the court, Head Coach Rivers was out of the locker room, still looking expectantly.
He still hadn't seen Pierce, who seemed to have fallen into the toilet.
Thinking of the team's newly formulated functional drink, Head Coach Rivers cursed under his breath:
"Everyone is against me! Shit!"
Sports reporters gathered in the player tunnel were also looking on expectantly.
Not seeing Pierce, many were whispering:
"Boston is finished! Their opponent is too strong, everyone can score. It seems Pierce is seriously injured."
"It should be a hamstring issue, and he will most likely miss the game after tomorrow. God is helping Lee. He was double-teamed tonight, but others always responded."
"I saw a message on Twitter: Pierce isn't injured, he soiled his pants!"
Hearing this, everyone looked at the New York Post reporter, who shrugged and showed his Apple phone.
The news was revealed by a fan who claimed to be sitting in the front row.
"Impossible! When he was carried onto the wheelchair, Pierce was covering his thigh with a very pained expression."
"Shit! He fooled us? Why couldn't Clay Lee be interviewed at halftime? He must know what happened!"
The New York reporters did not participate in the topic again.
After exchanging glances, they all felt they could make a big splash tomorrow.
Unfortunately, there were no photos at the moment, so perhaps they would have to spend some money.
"Ah!!"
In the closed restroom, Pierce, who had just stood up, leaned against the door panel and let out a weak cry.
The staff members looked at their pale-faced core player, exchanging bewildered glances.
The third quarter had already begun.
Pierce knew he had to return, but after emptying his bowels, he simply couldn't muster any energy, only able to say weakly:
"Help me get some donuts and glucose. I feel a bit better. Damn it! Just wait for me a little longer..."
Squatting down again, Pierce felt worse the more he thought about it.
He clearly remembered that when he was covering his backside, Lee had a strange smile on his face behind him.
Thinking of this, his scalp tingled:
"Fuck! Fuck un..."
The staff members also didn't know what to say.
Tonight was indeed the team's negligence.
Sometimes, a little 'technology' must be added to the formulated functional drinks, as it can help players perform better.
Clearly, too much strong stuff was added this time, causing Pierce's digestive problems.
Now, they could only pray that the deficit wouldn't widen.
When Pierce, unsteady on his feet, returned to the locker room listlessly, supported by staff members, a group of people surrounded him, offering medicine and food.
He didn't even bother to wipe his hands, grabbing and devouring everything.
"Has the deficit widened?...How much time do we have left?"
The assistant coach, who had quietly returned to the locker room, saw that Pierce was much better than before and breathed a sigh of relief, comforting him in a low voice:
"Ray is in good form. He not only limited Lee but also brought our deficit back to 9 points. However, if we continue to defend like this, everyone might not last until the fourth quarter. The team needs you to return as soon as possible."
With his stomach feeling warm, Pierce felt alive again.
Hearing that the deficit had been narrowed, he let out a sigh of relief and then quickly called out:
"Help me get my shorts! Shit, don't give me that drink again, Gatorade is fine. Give me two more minutes to rest, and I'll be back in the game immediately!"
The equipment manager took out new shorts, and the staff members re-taped Pierce's ankles.
As he received the service, a conflicted expression appeared on his face again.
After a moment of contemplation, he asked in a low voice:
"Lee didn't give an interview, right? I remember ESPN only interviews coaches during the game!"
"No, Paul! You've been in the restroom for too long. Now you need to warm up your body."
Pierce breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Lee didn't blab, the diarrhea incident would be over.
Now, all he had to do was fly... a king's return!
With 7 minutes and 46 seconds left in the third quarter, Ray Allen, fighting with all his might, once again carried the offense.
After two consecutive back-cuts, he finally hit a strong three-pointer from the right wing, and the TD Garden erupted.
In a do-or-die game, Ray Allen completely unleashed his emotions, pumping his fist and yelling after the score.
Kevin Garnett was even more excited, chasing after his teammate to chest-bump in celebration.
As Pierce jogged out from the player tunnel, Boston fans excitedly cheered.
Watching Pierce take off his warm-up jacket on the sidelines, preparing to enter the game, some fans in the back rows of the screaming section were jumping up and down.
They saw hope of winning again!
When Lee stepped to the free-throw line and James Posey walked towards the scorer's table, the TD Garden completely erupted.
Everyone stood up, applauding and cheering loudly for the tough Pierce.
Some Boston sports reporters were equally excited, pulling out their phones to post on Twitter:
"This is as great as Reed's return! Paul's return has encouraged everyone!"
Back on the court, Pierce quickly came to the edge of the paint.
Seeing Lee nod at him with a smile of encouragement, he was so embarrassed he wanted to scratch his feet, only able to maintain a poker face and constantly hypnotize himself:
"He didn't see it... He doesn't know....."
The game continued after two successful free throws.
Perhaps the full-body weakness from the diarrhea made Pierce completely relax.
In his first offensive possession after returning, he received the ball on the right wing, used a screen, and after a pick-and-roll, pulled up directly!
Perkins' successful delay held up Ron Artest.
Although Chandler made a move to close out, the basketball hit the front rim but still bounced in.
"Oh!!"
68:60, the TD Garden erupted again.
Everyone cheered for Pierce's response.
This was simply a hero's script!
On the defensive possession, when Lee actively sought Kevin Garnett's delay, the latter also didn't spare his energy, cooperating with Ray Allen for a quick double-team, and the Celtics fans in the arena also desperately shouted:
"Defense!"
Watching Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, accelerate horizontally, stop abruptly at the three-point line, turn, and pass the ball under the encirclement of two players, the atmosphere group on the Celtics bench also cheered happily.
Pau Gasol, who received the pass, took a big step towards the basket after catching the ball at the top of the arc.
Kevin Garnett tried to chase him down, but with his stamina declining, he was a bit too late.
Fortunately, Perkins's tough Defense played a role.
Under interference, Pau Gasol's layup hit the rim and bounced out.
Chandler tipped the offensive rebound, but the ball hit the backboard and failed to go in.
In the scramble, Kevin Garnett exploded again, getting in front of Pau Gasol and grabbing the ball.
He bent down and firmly protected the ball at the lower left of the basket.
When Kevin Garnett passed the ball to Marbury, the cheers almost broke through the TD Garden.
Kevin Garnett, running towards half-court, looked up and shouted again, and the atmosphere on the spot instantly ignited.
In this situation, it seemed that God also favored Pierce.
He popped out to the left wing, and his strong three-point shot after a fake again hit the front rim.
When the basketball bounced high, the TD Garden became a bit quiet.
The moment it fell into the net, everyone shouted again, and some front-row fans even raised their hands and celebrated wildly.
"The Celtics are raining threes! They seem to have found their rhythm. Pierce's performance in these two possessions has been outstanding!"
At the ESPN commentary booth, Mike Breen also began to praise loudly.
A 5-point difference, for the The Big Four team, was already negligible.
Mark Jackson saw Pierce cooperate with his teammates for an early double-team.
Ron Artest's strong drive to the basket from the left wing was interfered with by Kevin Garnett and missed.
For a moment, he could only comment tactfully:
"The double-team worked. Perhaps the New York Knicks' offense should be more patient; they seem a bit anxious."
Head Coach Rivers on the sidelines shouted excitedly.
When Pierce faked and then drove strongly to the basket from the left wing, drawing a foul, Head Coach Rivers couldn't help but pump his fists repeatedly, shouting hoarsely:
"Yee! That's it! Let's go!"
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
68:65, Pierce made both free throws, scoring 8 consecutive points.
The TD Garden was completely insane at this moment, just like the comeback against the Cavaliers, the Boston fans believed that they would achieve victory tonight.
The New York Knicks did not slow down their offensive rhythm after getting opportunities.
Shots, drives, as time passed, Lee's passes began to convert into assists again.
Kevin Garnett, whose stamina was declining, also showed his ability to make key shots: a turnaround jump shot from the left low post, a catch-and-shoot jump shot from the right elbow, and drawing fouls with strong drives to the basket.
The continuous responses kept the Celtics biting at the score, and the atmosphere on the court became even more intense.
When the third quarter ended, Head Coach Rivers, who was preparing for an interview, excitedly pumped his fist.
They did it!
79:76, in the series, the Celtics defeated the New York Knicks in a single quarter for the first time.
From the start of the game until now, Kevin Garnett had rested for less than two minutes.
When he returned to his seat, he was covered in sweat.
Ray Allen was also not feeling well.
Chasing Lee consumed more stamina, and he was constantly taking deep breaths at this moment.
"Hold on, we scored 33 points in the third quarter! The opponent is already done for. We have 12 more minutes, and we can get the victory!"
Head Coach Rivers, sitting in front of everyone, leaned forward and encouraged his players loudly.
At this moment, he seemed to see victory waving to him.
Pierce was also gasping for air.
His physical condition was not good either.
Anyone would struggle with intense exercise after a bout of diarrhea, and he had given his all.
"12 minutes, just hold on a little longer! Hey! Bro, let's continue to double-team."
Before going on court, Kevin Garnett held everyone back, repeatedly giving loud instructions.
The inconspicuous Marbury nodded repeatedly.
This was indeed the closest moment to victory in the series.
On the other side, on the New York Knicks' bench, everyone was not as nervous as their opponents imagined.
6 of 10 from the field, 2 of 4 from three-point range, 6 of 6 from the free-throw line, 20 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover.
Clay Lee's playmaking from the top of the arc meant that others got more opportunities.
Most New York Knicks players had rich championship experience.
Leading after three quarters, with their leader not taking many shots, and with the game reaching a critical point, everyone knew what tactics to execute.
Their performance time was over.
As Mike D'Antoni constantly drew tactics on the whiteboard and reminded them loudly, everyone readily agreed:
"Screen for Lee, give the ball to Lee, pay attention to long rebounds, their stamina has reached its limit!"
"."
As the 4th quarter began, Head Coach Rivers, who was being interviewed, appeared particularly confident in front of reporters, repeatedly emphasizing the team's tactical adjustments:
"7-man rotation, everyone overcame difficulties, we were not intimidated by the opponent, Paul's return encouraged everyone! You know, he overcame his thigh injury."
Head Coach Rivers had intended to continue praising, but a sudden gasp from the TD Garden brought him back to his senses, and then his eye twitched slightly.
Lee hadn't rested either.
In the first offensive possession, Diaw, who had just come on to play power forward, immediately handed the ball back to Lee after catching it at the top of the arc, then quickly popped out.
Ray Allen received instructions from Kevin Garnett and switched Defense immediately.
Perhaps because he was still some distance from the three-point line, Kevin Garnett's defensive moves were extremely aggressive, delaying and then actively poking the ball away.
When Kevin Garnett poked the ball out of Lee's hands, some fans unconsciously gasped, and then there were loud cheers.
Kevin Garnett adjusted his center of gravity, high-fived, and stared intently at Lee's movements.
Seemingly not in a hurry to attack, Lee turned sideways to regain control of the ball.
When the basketball returned in front of him, he noticed his opponent moving slightly backward, and suddenly pulled up directly!
"Oh."
Perhaps it was because he took too few shots in the first three quarters, this time the basketball hit the backboard and went in, causing the fans on site to groan and curse softly, looking as if it was a fluke.
"God seems to be favoring me too!"
Looking at the glaring Kevin Garnett, Lee chuckled and said something.
The latter tried to control his emotions, turned and cursed twice under his breath, signaling for an immediate double-team on the next possession.
Facing the New York Knicks' one-big-four-small lineup, Ray Allen, who popped out to the left wing, again chose a step-through drive.
JR Smith's Defense merely followed alongside, but Diaw, who was helping inside, was incredibly fast.
In the paint directly in front of the basket, Ray Allen in mid-air had intended to pass, but with his stamina declining, he hesitated and was intercepted in mid-air by Diaw.
The moment he landed, JR Smith controlled the ball and immediately burst forward with it.
"Boo!!"
Boos echoed throughout the TD Garden.
As JR Smith quickly brought the ball up, the retreating Marbury was already guarding in front of Lee.
The moment he received the ball, he immediately pounced, and then fell behind by more than half a step.
Leading the ball forward somewhat casually, as Lee accelerated and drove near the right sideline, Boston fans in the front row stood up and shouted, their voices growing louder and louder.
Marbury was overly nervous, his slide steps entirely following his body's instinct.
Lee's sudden stop and crossover pull-back made him stumble, almost slipping to the floor.
Unable to jump and contest, Marbury could only watch as Lee calmly gathered the ball from a distance still some way from the three-point line, and shot a steady jump shot!
"Boo!!"
Amidst the boos echoing through the TD Garden, the basketball still swished through the net.
Clay Lee's crisp scoring made Head Coach Rivers on the sidelines stare wide-eyed.
85:76, the lead instantly returned to 9 points.
The TD Garden became noisy again.
This situation seemed wrong.
When Kevin Garnett drove hard to the basket from the left low post but missed his layup, Tony Allen, who had been standing up to watch the game from the Celtics bench, unconsciously covered his face.
In a semi-transition offense, Lee, who received the ball, did not advance quickly.
As he dribbled past half-court along the left sideline, Allen also seemed a bit nervous, and then froze in place.
Suddenly gathering the ball, Lee casually shot the ball.
Everyone on the Celtics team unconsciously turned their heads, and then saw the basketball swish through the net again.
"Come on! Push harder.."
In the somewhat quiet TD Garden, Lee smiled and shouted loudly at his opponents.
Realizing the lead had reached double digits, Pierce unconsciously tightened his gluteal muscles.
Noticing his opponent looking at him, he couldn't help but curse softly:
"Damn."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)