Check out my new fanfics.
A cote x hikigaya crossover.
Ryuga from Beyblade in Pokemon World.
Please give it a go š
***
On December 23, 2000, on the eve of the Christmas War, Rashard Lewis's performance drew effusive praise from the New York Media.
In last night's game against the 76ers, he played 36 minutes, shooting 6-of-11 from the field, 4-of-6 from three-point range, and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line, scoring a career-high 21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 1 turnover.
His Defense, rim protection, and finishing near the basket were a bit lacking, but from an offensive perspective, he was versatile, comparable to an All-Star!
As a third-year second-round Rookie, consistently contributing 12+ points per game is already exceptional, and 'high salary, low ability' is no longer a label associated with Lewis.
105-79, the Knicks decisively defeated the 76ers on the road.
Head Coach Larry Brown's double-team strategy completely failed, and Clay Lee dished out 15 assists for the entire game.
Although the Knicks sometimes struggle against strong interior teams, most games in the Eastern Conference are easy wins, which truly makes some players feel a bit desperate.
Playing 41 minutes, shooting 5-of-18 from the field, 1-of-6 from three-point range, and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line, Allen Iverson scored 19 points, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers, completely losing his offensive touch under Lee's Defense.
He didn't attend the post-game press conference either, as years of consecutive losses were finally getting to him.
This season, the 76ers started with a 10-game winning streak, and Iverson's public perception had improved significantly, but after one strong matchup, the evaluation reversed again.
This situation amused the New York Media. Before the Christmas War, they again mocked Allen Iverson as an inefficient "stat-padder."
Statistics are always subject to comparison.
If there were no Lee among his draft class, perhaps Allen Iverson's reputation would be completely different.
However, the reality is that to contend for MVP, one's efficiency must at least be respectable.
Shaquille O'Neal and Clay Lee, one inside and one outside, have both posted PERs of 30 for two consecutive seasons, implicitly raising the evaluation standards significantly.
With almost two months of the regular season passed, Lee ranked first in the MVP standings, followed by Duncan, O'Neal, Allen Iverson, and Chris Webber.
The top 5 teams in the standings had similar records, but Clay Lee's Excel was more impressive, so he was temporarily in the lead.
For this year's Christmas War, the NBA also prepared two games for the fans.
Pacers vs. Portland Trail Blazers, and Lakers vs. Knicks.
The four teams that reached the Conference Finals last season faced off again, with the Lakers vs. Knicks game drawing even more attention.
The election concluded not long ago, with the Republican Party winning, and the public no longer focused on the White House.
The NBA had been promoting the strong matchup for over half a month, and many fans were eagerly awaiting it.
On December 24th, Lee, back in Manhattan, took advantage of the team's day off to add many Christmas decorations to his home.
Being in the Eastern Conference, the biggest advantage is not having too much pressure regarding the standings.
The Western Conference is becoming increasingly competitive, but for the Knicks, securing the first-place spot is not a major issue.
Krysten Ritter was directly eliminated in the Princess Diaries audition not long ago, and she had been unhappy for several months.
Fortunately, after her birthday, and unlocking new knowledge, she regained her usual vitality.
"The house is so beautiful!"
"Can we stay here tonight?"
Most of the girls who just entered were fashion models.
They shed their bulky coats, revealing their shapely figures, and began chattering about the new house.
"Don't wander around, gather on the second floor first. If you want to change clothes, remember to go to the third floor!"
The little assistant directed the beautiful girls, who were serving as the atmosphere group, like a half-hostess.
Tonight there would be a party for young people.
The small Christmas tree on the fourth floor was adorned with decorations.
More people were celebrating together this year, and Ivan, busy with graduation, had finally escaped his heavy academic workload.
He was now clamoring for a different way to celebrate:
"We should add more nightlife. If it weren't for my graduation thesis, I would have already been popping champagne at a club downtown!"
Ivan, dressed in an academic style and with his long hair grown back, had a look of great loss.
His new girlfriend, a Latina girl, was still a bit shy and could only watch her boyfriend boast.
Melinda already knew Aiven would have difficulty graduating, and she didn't sympathize with him at this moment.
However, upon hearing "champagne," she instinctively said to Lee:
"Should we acquire a champagne brand? It should be profitable in the future!"
Almost forgetting about this, Lee patted his forehead, then replied with certainty:
"Of course, acquiring a champagne brand means we can promote it ourselves when we have parties later. That's much more cost-effective than buying those overpriced wines."
Melinda smiled at Ivan, indicating that his champagne party would have to wait a while longer.
Having just completed the LSAT exam at the beginning of the month, the big group of girls recently had a lot of free time and gradually became Lee's close assistants.
Aside from his friends in Hartford, Lee's home was filled with many people this Christmas Eve.
For a Christmas party, one naturally has to spend money and enjoy life.
On Christmas Day, the Lakers, along with their families, flew to New York.
The players had been looking forward to the Christmas War for a long time.
With a record of 20 wins and 8 losses, the Lakers were currently only one game behind the San Antonio Spurs, ranking second in the Western Conference.
The team was in excellent form.
Phil Jackson's mood was always complex whenever he came to New York these past few years.
He had played here, and he had good friends in New York.
But as the Chicago Bulls repeatedly eliminated the Knicks, he gradually became an unwelcome person.
Moreover, Michael Jordan had always disliked Jeff Van Gundy, and Phil Jackson had often joined in mocking him back then.
In the end, Jeff Van Gundy made a comeback, and Phil Jackson consecutively lost championships.
Every time he saw the New York Media wildly praising the Bald Young Coach, he felt a bit sour.
After arriving in New York in the morning, the Lakers coaching staff held a simple film session at the hotel, emphasizing tactical arrangements.
During lunch, trainer Gary Vitti watched Kobe and O'Neal leave and couldn't help but ask Phil Jackson:
"Many teams are already limiting Shaq's touches!"
"Why don't we let Kobe take on more offensive responsibilities? His form this season is excellent."
Phil Jackson merely glanced at him, then calmly stated:
"Harper struggles to guard Clay. I hope Fox can make those open shots on offense. Only Kobe is suitable for guarding the opposing perimeter core."
"Players' energy is limited. We will try to double-team, but Kobe needs to constantly chase defensively to reduce Shaq's defensive exertion."
"This is not prejudice. It's simply that to win, someone has to make a sacrifice."
Shaquille O'Neal had also been working hard on his game during the offseason, with an incredibly serious attitude.
Phil Jackson saw this, and with a superstar's commitment, he naturally had to confirm his team status.
Although Kobe was also very diligent, Shaq was the true core of the team.
Therefore, just like last season, in strong matchups, everyone continued to serve Shaq.
Gary Vitti was very fond of Kobe, but after hearing this, he could only remain silent.
Just as the Champion Coach said, the team only has one core.
Kobe naturally understood his status within the team, but having lost in the Finals last year, he willingly accepted this role.
Building muscle, playing Defense, and training diligentlyāKobe hoped to win a championship through his efforts.
For this, being Shaq's subordinate was acceptable.
The Christmas War officially began at 5:30 PM, and after the game, they could return home to continue enjoying Christmas night.
Madison Square Garden was already full more than half an hour before the game.
Many fans arrived early to watch Clay Lee warm up, and also to find an opportunity to take a photo with Grant Hill.
To be safe, the Knicks' medical team still hadn't allowed Grant Hill to return to the court.
He hadn't played a single game this new season, yet he was far ahead in the All-Star voting for the Eastern Conference frontcourt.
The fans didn't feel embarrassed, because they simply wanted to see their favorite stars in the All-Star Game, but Grant Hill was starting to lose his composure.
Being a mascot was not his ambition.
During warm-ups, Lee continuously sank the ball into the basket.
Hill, nearby, was also doing shooting drills.
Hearing the increasing cheers from the fans, he couldn't help but whisper:
"I think my ankle is fine now. I should be able to return to the court before the All-Star Game."
Lee looked at Hill, who had changed into his practice uniform, smiled at him, and simply comforted him:
"Don't worry about the team's record. Most of our opponents during the regular season are Eastern Conference teams, so the pressure on our record won't be too great."
"As long as we can finish in the top half and secure home-court advantage, we'll achieve our predetermined goal."
"Returning after the All-Star Game is a good option; even if we lose then, it won't significantly impact our record."
Grant Hill could only nod in agreement.
He hadn't expected the New York Knicks to still dominate the Eastern Conference, and now, to play, the medical team's permission was crucial.
For his final Christmas War, Ewing became the focus of media attention.
With a record of 21 wins and 7 losses, the New York Knicks' excellent performance filled the locker room with compliments.
Sitting in his seat, dressed in his practice uniform, Ewing was flattered to the point of feeling ecstatic.
When asked about the outcome of tonight's game, the already puffed-up Gorilla grinned and confidently replied,
"We are the number one team in the NBA, and no one can be our opponent!"
"ā¦"
At the NBC commentary booth, the two were also discussing Ewing's last Christmas War of his career:
"Ewing's playing time hasn't decreased this season, but his role on the team is completely different now. He's more involved in pick-and-rolls, and his mid-range and long-range jump shots are increasing."
"Head Coach Van Gundy still relies heavily on this veteran. Compared to other interior players, Ewing can provide more high-post facilitation on offense."
Doug Collins noticed that the New York Knicks hadn't changed their starting lineup and immediately commented on the Gorilla's performance since the start of the season.
Bob Costas nodded.
He had naturally seen the New York Knicks' dominance in the Eastern Conference, but for tonight's game, he favored the Lakers:
"After Derek Fisher's injury, the Lakers' rotation at point guard has been affected."
"Isaiah Rider and Brian Shaw's form has been inconsistent, which is also a test for the coaching staff."
"Tonight's starting backcourt is still Ron Harper and Kobe Bryant, with the frontcourt consisting of Rick Fox, Horace Grant, and Shaquille O'Neal."
"The New York Knicks will find it difficult to limit the opponent's interior offense. We can anticipate whether Head Coach Van Gundy will make adjustments."
As the arena DJ loudly introduced the home team's players, the atmosphere grew increasingly heated.
On the visiting team's bench, the Lakers players were expressionless.
Shaq, who had grown a beard, had a constant frown.
He didn't want to lose again.
Kobe, on the other hand, was constantly bumping fists and hugging teammates, jumping up and down in place, trying to get himself excited.
This was a game he had long anticipated.
Driven by the core players' emotions, no one in the Lakers' atmosphere group spoke up.
Perhaps in some regular season games in the Western Conference, everyone would slack off, but for tonight's game, the coaching staff had started preparing a week in advance.
After the final warm-up, Phil Jackson gathered everyone in front of him again and loudly instructed,
"The double-teaming speed must be quick, and everyone must communicate with each other. Defense is not a one-person job. We must trust each other!"
Seeing Head Coach's serious expression, everyone nodded in agreement.
As the first quarter began, the Lakers made the slow-starting New York Knicks pay.
Shaq continuously attacked the paint from the right low post, scoring inside and out.
Facing Ron Artest's collapsing Defense, for several consecutive possessions, Shaq assisted Rick Fox, who was left open on the right wing, for a three-pointer!
Jeff Van Gundy, arms crossed on the sideline, signaled his players to continue their defensive strategy.
30:22. In the first quarter, Rick Fox scored from both inside and out, shooting 4-for-7 overall and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, leading the Lakers with 13 points.
Ewing, who had picked up two fouls and returned to the bench, was frustrated.
Shaq made 3 of 4 free throws, so the fouls didn't have much effect.
Neither team changed their pre-game strategy.
After the second quarter began, the Lakers continued to double-team Lee, and the New York Knicks still had their perimeter players collapsing for help Defense.
With 3 minutes and 40 seconds left in the first half, Shaq missed his second free throw, cursed under his breath, watched Ben Wallace grab the rebound, and quickly retreated on Defense with his teammates.
Kobe retreated the fastest, while also signaling Rookie Mike Penberthy, who had just come on, to guard Allan Houston.
"Let's go Knicks! . . . "
Falling behind in the score, the cheers and shouts of the New York fans in the arena grew louder.
Kobe chose not to lead the Defense.
He saw Lee cross half-court and immediately pass the ball to Allan Houston near the top of the arc, then quickly stepped forward and subtly tugged.
After passing the ball, Lee first feigned a move to the left, then suddenly accelerated, quickly back-cut, and used Ben Wallace's off-ball screen on the right elbow of the free-throw line to complete a UCLA cut.
Kobe squeezed through the screen, continuing to chase relentlessly from behind.
Allan Houston noticed there was no immediate opportunity and quickly called Ben Wallace to the left elbow to receive the ball.
After Lee cut off-ball to the basket, he quickly ran to the left corner.
Lewis immediately set a down screen, while Horace Grant collapsed towards the back-left baseline, leaving space for Kobe to chase on Defense.
The continuous screens still had an effect.
When Lee reached the left wing, he just happened to receive a hand-off pass from Ben Wallace, who had shuffled up.
Shaq saw that Kobe couldn't chase back in time and that Ben Wallace had passed the ball and cut down.
Without any hesitation, he immediately rushed up to defend Lee.
After receiving the ball, Lee held it in his right hand.
Facing Shaq, who had switched onto him and raised his left hand, Lee paused slightly, then suddenly twisted his body quickly and accelerated with a lunge.
Shaq instinctively slid backward and to the left.
As he shuffled his feet, he didn't forget to exert lateral force with his body, attempting to use strength to slow Lee down.
The two collided, but Lee was not affected much, driving straight to the basket past his opponent!
Kobe was still trying to chase on Defense from behind. Under the double-team, Lee, who had broken into the paint, noticed that Horace Grant had already collapsed to the basket, tightly guarding Ben Wallace who had cut down.
Noticing that Fox on the right near the baseline also collapsed, Lee simply gathered the ball immediately and charged towards the rim in three big strides.
In the paint directly in front of the rim, the moment Lee jumped, Shaq jumped with him from his side, and Kobe also leaped into the air from behind him.
Fox, who had collapsed to the basket, also wanted to jump up and block, but found that Lee, in mid-air, rotated his wrist and smoothly swung the ball to the left corner.
No one was in front of him.
Ron Artest adjusted slightly after receiving the ball, then calmly shot a wide-open three-pointer!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net!
48:43. The score difference was once again narrowed, and Madison Square Garden erupted in cheers.
Stubbornly throwing three-pointers finally paid off.
Ron Artest, whose touch had returned, excitedly pounded his chest.
Shaq cursed under his breath, feeling that Lee's breakthrough speed was too fast, and switching out to defend him was very unfavorable.
Phil Jackson immediately signaled his players to stay calm.
Soon, facing Ben Wallace's half-front Defense, Shaq suddenly cut to the basket after demanding the ball from the left low post.
Kobe, on the left wing, smoothly delivered a lob pass, and Shaq, after receiving the ball under the basket, immediately dunked it with both hands!
Such an easy score made Shaq excited.
He let out a strange yell, then swayed and quickly retreated on Defense.
"Boo!"
His comical steps drew a chorus of boos from the New York fans.
Bob Costas felt that the New York Knicks had no way to stop Shaq, and single coverage was just giving him points:
"Perhaps Head Coach Van Gundy should consider putting Ewing in. With the current lineup, they will find it very difficult to limit the opponent's strong interior offense."
Doug Collins was about to add a few words, but noticed Lee suddenly accelerate after receiving the ball on the baseline, and instinctively shouted,
"God! Lee's movements are too fast!"
At the top of the arc, before even approaching the three-point line, Kobe immediately stuck to him.
Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, faced the tight Defense, quickly changed direction between his legs, and the moment he switched to his left hand, he immediately twisted his body and accelerated.
Kobe constantly slid backward and to the right. After their bodies collided, Lee practically burrowed into his opponent's embrace.
Having just dribbled past the three-point line, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, suddenly bounced the ball hard in place.
Using the rebound force of the basketball, he abruptly stopped and smoothly completed a step-back.
Back at the three-point line, Lee, with Kobe's block in his face, quickly launched a jump shot from the top of the arc!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net!
50:46. The score difference continued to shrink.
Phil Jackson on the sideline had a serious expression, watching Kobe frustratingly clench his fist, then gave him a thumbs up, indicating it was good Defense.
Doug Collins looked at Lee, who was retreating quickly with a relaxed expression, and could only sigh again,
"Alright! The Lakers can only pray to God that Lee's touch declines. This kind of unreasonable contested shot is simply undefendable."
For the final two minutes of the first half, the Lakers continued to give the ball to Shaq, scoring continuously inside.
The New York Knicks completely found their touch from beyond the arc.
Lee went up to face the double-team defense, continuously assisting Allan Houston and Lewis to make three-pointers.
For the last possession before halftime, Kobe defended him all the way, constantly putting up physical resistance.
Lee didn't care.
He dribbled the ball with his right hand, accelerated in a straight line, crushed past half-court, then immediately dribbled behind his back after a sudden stop.
The moment the ball switched to his left hand, he created some distance.
Ben Wallace and Lewis simultaneously moved up to set a high pick-and-roll.
Kobe, who originally wanted to stick to him, suddenly found himself surrounded.
Just as he was slightly stunned, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, immediately accelerated and squeezed past Ben Wallace.
O'Neal was still inside the three-point line and had no time to make a defensive move.
Lee adjusted his steps and suddenly stopped half a meter away from the three-point line, quickly jumping up for a shot from the top of the arc!
"Swish!" Another three-pointer went in!
58:57.
Seeing the deficit reduced to just 1 point, Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
"Wow!"
The excited New York fans cheered loudly.
Although O'Neal was still wreaking havoc in the paint, the New York Knicks also responded from beyond the arc.
Kobe's last-second super-long three-pointer missed, and the first half ended.
O'Neal's good mood was completely gone.
The New York Knicks, relying on consecutive three-pointers, scored 35 points in a single quarter!
Ewing didn't get a chance to play in the second quarter.
O'Neal went 6 for 9 in the quarter, scoring 14 points, and once again dominated "Little Ben."
Jeff Van Gundy wore a smile, forming a stark contrast with the serious expression of Phil Jackson.
The Bald Young Coach had already given up on defending Shaq.
With the team's current defensive resources, it was better to use offense as defense rather than putting on Rookie meat shields.
In the first half, Clay Lee was 7 for 13, 4 for 6 from beyond the arc, and 4 for 5 from the free-throw line, scoring 22 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover.
Looking at the statistics, Bob Costas praised him again:
"Lee's ability to adjust is excellent. He increased his off-ball movement in the second quarter, and the effect was outstanding."
Doug Collins had already seen the New York Knicks' tactical changes and shook his head regretfully, saying:
"Head Coach Van Gundy has borrowed from the Sacramento Kings' tactics, but the team lacks big men who can pass the ball, which causes them to waste some easy scoring opportunities by cutting to the inside."
"The Princeton offense is good, but it requires a high level of ball movement. Currently, the New York Knicks still need to further refine their tactics."
The two discussed at length from the commentary booth.
After the second half began, the New York Knicks were the first to make a change, altering their defensive matchups.
Ben Wallace and Ewing were in the paint, while Lee guarded Kobe on the perimeter.
Allan Houston was slacking off by following Harper, and Ron Artest was responsible for guarding Fox.
In the first offensive possession, as soon as Shaquille O'Neal received the ball in the left low post, Ben Wallace immediately moved to double-team him.
As the two converged, O'Neal immediately shot the ball to the basket.
Horace Grant wanted to go straight up as soon as he caught the ball, but he was interfered with by the quickly recovering Ben Wallace, who jumped up.
The layup missed, but Horace Grant grabbed the offensive rebound.
He went up for a second jump and was almost blocked by Ben Wallace again.
The basketball hit the rim and bounced out again.
Ewing grabbed the rebound and held it tightly, completing an excellent defensive possession for the New York Knicks.
Grant, wearing glasses, never expected Ben Wallace's defense to be so quick.
As he retreated, he quickly raised his hand to signal that he had been careless.
Amidst cheers, Lee quickly rushed past half-court.
It was still Ewing's high pick-and-roll.
Kobe struggled to squeeze through, watching Lee quickly push the ball with his left hand to change direction after the
screen, and quickly reminded O'Neal to delay.
Shaq, who was following the defense, quickly slid to the left. Lee, who had switched to his right hand, didn't make any fakes.
After changing direction, he accelerated and cut in, pushing against the defense.
When he broke through to below the free-throw line, Lee was again double-teamed.
O'Neal blocked the baseline, and Kobe was chasing from behind, with the three of them squeezed together.
While moving, Lee, with the ball in his right hand, suddenly quickly wrapped the ball between his legs.
As his body faked to the right, he created space.
O'Neal subconsciously followed the slide but found that the basketball in Lee's right hand had disappeared.
First, he heard the fans' exclamations, then a chill between his legs.
O'Neal subconsciously turned his head and found the basketball had gone through his legs.
Ewing, who had rolled down, was unguarded and immediately slammed it in with one hand after receiving the ball!
"Boom!" A successful dunk off the roll.
"Oh! What a beautiful pass! Lee always finds these fleeting opportunities!"
Bob Costas also exclaimed.
Doug Collins, seeing the New York Knicks take the lead, said with a chuckle:
"Head Coach Van Gundy clearly wants to make a push in the third quarter. Ewing's stamina should still be fine to support two quarters of high-intensity defense."
O'Neal, his face dark, cursed under his breath.
On offense, he wanted to get back at them in the low post but found it difficult to receive the ball.
Ewing was half-fronting, and Ben Wallace was poised, blocking the baseline.
Kobe's pass quality was not high this time under Lee's defense, which made O'Neal subconsciously adjust his step after receiving the ball on the left wing, and then he was double-teamed.
Not forcing the offense, the Lakers began to quickly move the ball through O'Neal's gravity.
With only 8 seconds left on the shot clock, Kobe received the ball at the top of the arc.
He didn't pass again.
Facing Lee's defense, he dribbled with his left hand, faked his body to the left, and then quickly changed direction in front of him.
Kobe's fakes were very exaggerated, but Lee successfully anticipated them.
The moment the opponent switched to their strong hand, he immediately slid to block the opponent's driving lane.
Unable to gain position, after physical contact, Kobe also failed to squeeze past the defense on the first attempt.
Out of desperation, he drove to the right elbow of the free-throw line and simply took a "beautiful" fadeaway jumper!
"Bang!"
With Lee's block interference, the basketball hit the back rim and bounced high, and the rebound was eventually secured by Ben Wallace.
Kobe was still annoyed about the previous possession.
Lee dribbled past half-court and immediately passed the ball.
Allan Houston received a hand-off pass on the right wing and immediately moved towards the top of the arc with the ball in his left hand.
Ewing set a high screen.
Harper couldn't squeeze through in time, and Allan Houston didn't hesitate.
He stopped short at the top of the arc and immediately jumped up for a three-pointer!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
58:62. The New York Knicks successfully took the lead.
O'Neal was still calling for the ball, but after two low-quality lob passes, Kobe received the ball again at the top of the arc and immediately signaled O'Neal to come out for a screen.
With a screen set on the left block of the free-throw line, Kobe dribbled with his left hand and drove to the left.
Ewing continued to play drop coverage, while Lee skillfully squeezed through and continued to chase.
O'Neal rolled down, but his driving lane to the basket was blocked.
Kobe could only stop short in the left block and fake a shot.
Kobe thought Lee would jump to contest, but he found himself forced to stop his dribble.
Leaning into the defense, Kobe faked with the ball repeatedly.
With little time left on the shot clock, he finally twisted his body and forced a shot.
Lee reacted quickly, jumping up to block it immediately!
"Bang!"
The basketball hit the front rim, and the long rebound bounced right into Lee's arms.
Kobe, who had lost his balance upon landing, didn't have time to defend.
Lee grabbed the rebound and immediately rushed forward with the ball.
Harper, who was retreating on defense, immediately stepped forward to interfere but was directly faked out by Lee's quick behind-the-back dribble.
After switching to his left hand, he accelerated again in a straight line.
Harper re-adjusted his defensive Center of Gravity and chased into the paint to contest again.
While moving, Lee gathered the ball and again dribbled behind his back, successfully evading the defense.
After switching to his right hand, he arrived at the bottom right of the basket and easily laid it in!
58:64. The New York Knicks extended their lead.
"Wow!"
Kobe, chasing from behind, watched Lee smile and retreat on defense.
Hearing the fans' cheers again, he was instantly furious and slammed the ball hard when inbounding.
With wide eyes, Kobe called for the ball directly without waiting to cross half-court.
O'Neal, who had difficulty receiving the ball in a few possessions, raised his screen position.
On the left wing, Lee couldn't squeeze through the screen immediately this time, and Ewing continued to play drop coverage.
Kobe, with the ball in his left hand, broke free from the defense.
Facing such a great opportunity, he quickly adjusted his steps and immediately stopped short beyond the three-point line.
Without any hesitation, he quickly jumped up for a shot.
The basketball hit the front rim, and the long rebound bounced out, landing right into Ron Artest's hands in the right block as he was preparing to collapse to the basket.
After securing possession, Ron Artest immediately twisted his body and powerfully threw the ball.
Lee had already rushed past half-court at this point, easily scooped up the ball with his left hand, and drove straight to the basket.
Kobe desperately chased from behind, but Lee was incredibly fast.
He didn't stop the ball on a 1-on-0 fast break in the frontcourt, grabbing the ball with his right hand and going straight for a one-handed dunk!
In the blink of an eye, the lead had stretched to 8 points.
Doug Collins commented helplessly:
"That's not a good offensive choice! Kobe should finish the offense closer to the basket."
Phil Jackson immediately called a timeout, as the offensive space was too small, and turned to signal Horry to get ready to enter the game.
The cheers were unstoppable.
Clay Lee smiled and high-fived Ron Artest, who had made the assist, celebrating.
On the bench, Grant Hill also clapped along with the atmosphere.
Bob Costas felt that this situation was very similar to the first quarter, when the New York Knicks were clanking shots and the Lakers were counter-attacking with dunks:
"By custom, Kobe would take over the ball in the third quarter, but currently his shooting touch is poor. Perhaps Dr. Phil Jackson could consider continuing to give the ball to Shaquille O'Neal."
The two originally thought that the Lakers' offense would improve after the timeout, but most possessions still ended with Kobe.
After a pick-and-roll, a long two-pointer clanked, sending Lee to the free-throw line.
From the restricted area on the right, Kobe delivered a high-quality pass, and O'Neal dunked!
Turning around, Lee drove hard to the basket from the middle, attracted a double-team, and then assisted Ben Wallace for a layup from the bottom right of the basket.
Holding the ball in his right hand on the right wing, Kobe drove hard, was forced to slow down after body contact in the restricted area, and then was double-teamed by Allan Houston.
Harper, who was left open in the right corner, received a pass from Kobe, but his three-pointer from beyond the arc clanked again.
Watching the New York Knicks launch a counterattack, Phil Jackson on the sidelines could no longer hold back, constantly signaling to slow down the pace of the game.
On a three-line fast break, Lee's half-court bounce pass allowed the quickly cutting Ron Artest to easily complete a two-handed dunk!
As long as the ball was passed into the paint, O'Neal could dunk, and Horry, who was left open, stopped shooting after continuously clanking three-pointers, leaving Kobe to repeatedly take responsibility.
Several high pick-and-rolls were very effective, and O'Neal's large frame made it difficult for Lee to squeeze through the screen in the first instance.
But defending with a hand on his hip, pressuring Kobe's weak hand, caused his dribble pull-up three-pointers to continuously clank.
What seemed like good open opportunities simply couldn't be converted into points, as if it were a replay of the first quarter.
The New York Knicks rushed faster and faster, completely widening the lead through defensive counterattacks.
The single quarter score was 20:30, and after three quarters, it was 78:87, with the New York Knicks leading by 9 points.
2-for-8 from the field, 3-for-3 from the free-throw line, 7 points and 2 assists.
Back on the bench, Kobe was too dejected to speak.
Except for one fast break layup and one strong shot in the restricted area, all other offensive attempts clanked.
Kobe, realizing his mistakes, instinctively looked at the Head Coach.
The noisy venue made Phil Jackson instinctively raise his voice:
"Patience, we have enough time to turn the game around. Slow down, get to the free-throw line, and finish the offense closer to the basket!"
Shaquille O'Neal, who was preparing to rest, watched the Head Coach draw on the tactical board and didn't say anything.
He had only taken 4 shots in the third quarter, which made him somewhat dissatisfied.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The New York Knicks had the first possession in the fourth quarter.
The substitute big man, Greg Foster, defended a high pick-and-roll at the top of the arc.
Facing Clay Lee's quick left-handed push-dribble change of direction, he instinctively reached out to pull.
However, his body couldn't provide resistance, and his footwork was slightly slow.
Lee used force with his ball-handling hand, swatting away the opponent's arm while increasing his stride, instantly breaking through the opponent's defense.
Kobe, who was chasing, almost ran into his teammate.
Watching Lee shake off the defense and suddenly leap into the air in the paint, he instinctively stopped, watching Lee grab the ball with his right hand, take three large steps, and then throw down a one-handed slam dunk!
"Boom!" A breakthrough dunk!
"Wow!"
The beautiful dribble, combined with the powerful dunk, excited the New York fans in the arena to shout loudly.
After landing, Lee simply patted his chest, looking very relaxed, while Fox's eyes were wide, seemingly unable to believe Lee could fly so far.
Phil Jackson hoped Kobe could get to the free-throw line more often, but he quickly found that as Lee relentlessly drove to the basket, the referees started blowing their whistles continuously.
The sudden free-throw parade made Phil Jackson's face darken, and Kobe's foul count steadily increased as the game progressed.
"Hey! My player only touched him once, that's not a foul at all!"
Lee stopped short in the paint, causing Kobe to foul him from behind while chasing.
Phil Jackson complained to the referee about this free throw, but received no feedback.
With the deficit not shrinking, Phil Jackson angrily made continuous substitutions, attempting to respond from beyond the arc.
But when the New York Knicks started sending O'Neal to the free-throw line, Shaq missed consecutive free throws.
On the Lakers' bench, there was suddenly complete silence.
With 3 minutes and 46 seconds left in the game, Lee's counterattack resulted in a foul on Kobe, sending the latter off with 6 fouls.
Back on the bench, Kobe kicked over a sports drink, angrily threw his towel, then buried his head in his hands, sitting in his seat, staring intently at Lee shooting free throws.
Bob Costas then began to praise Jeff Van Gundy's game strategy:
"Choosing to use a foul strategy in the final quarter just broke the Lakers' momentum."
"Head Coach Van Gundy completely controlled the game in the second half."
Doug Collins glanced at the box score: 0-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Shaquille O'Neal, who had excellent free-throw performance in the first three quarters, suddenly faltered:
"Coach Jackson must solve the Lakers' scoring problem, and it's not easy to get the inside players comfortable touches."
"Perhaps they should let other perimeter players take on more offensive responsibilities."
With 2 minutes and 1 second left in the game, Phil Jackson simply called a timeout, conceding defeat and attempting to express his dissatisfaction in this way.
Clay Lee, who was raining down free throws, didn't care about the Lakers' emotions.
Back on the bench, he smiled and fist-bumped everyone, celebrating the victory.
Watching the opponents bring in their celebration squad, Madison Square Garden erupted in another huge cheer.
The New York Knicks won the Christmas War again!
As the game time expired, 102:111, the New York Knicks successfully defeated the Lakers, securing their fifth consecutive win.
Playing 42 minutes, 12-for-24 from the field, 5-for-10 from three-point range, 12-for-14 from the free-throw line, 41 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers.
Clay Lee shot 9 free throws in the fourth quarter alone, a performance that greatly displeased the Lakers.
After the game, everyone simply shook hands, and the opponents turned and left.
Ewing smiled happily during his post-game interview.
He only played two quarters in this game, but winning his last Christmas War of his career was enough for him:
"Just as I said, the New York Knicks will continue to dominate the NBA. No one is our opponent!"
"..."
13-for-23 from the field, 6-for-14 from the free-throw line, 32 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers.
Shaquille O'Neal did not attend the post-game press conference.
9-for-20 from the field, 8-for-11 from the free-throw line, 26 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 2 turnovers.
Kobe Bryant, who attended the press conference, remained silent.
Phil Jackson didn't hold back.
After answering some questions, he complained again:
"Lee shot too many free throws in the last quarter, which made it very difficult for us to play effective Defense!"
"The officiating standards were not on the same level for both sides. This is not the Lakers' true strength."
The media reporters below were delighted, watching the angry Phil Jackson, many of them secretly pleased.
When Lee and Jeff Van Gundy attended the press conference, the Bald Young Coach also didn't hold back:
"The Lakers shouldn't complain about the whistle. The referees made the correct calls."
"Perhaps they should practice free throws more. Shaq already had enough free throws!"
Lee laughed and said some polite words on the side, only able to sigh inwardly:
"The sponsors are pushing, and this explosive power is really not my fault!"
.....
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