Check out my new fanfics.
A cote x hikigaya crossover.
Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
Please give it a go 😊
***
On April 24, 2001, the NBA announced this season's Coach of the Year (COY):
New York Knicks Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy won the award without any suspense.
As the only team to achieve 60+ wins this season, Van Gundy's award was well-deserved!
Despite star players suffering injuries, the starting center facing retirement, both starting small forward and power forward being rookies, and having abandoned most low-post offense, the Knicks still produced the Best offensive performance in the league.
In 82 regular season games, the Knicks averaged 104.6 points per game, 85.7 field goal attempts per game, and 22.6 three-point attempts per game, an almost unassailable lead!
The second-ranked Sacramento Kings averaged 101.7 points per game.
The third-ranked Milwaukee Bucks averaged 100.7 points per game, the fourth-ranked Lakers averaged 100.6 points per game, and the fifth-ranked Dallas Mavericks averaged 100.5 points per game.
This season, only the above five teams averaged over 100 points per game.
Compared to the last-place Chicago Bulls, who averaged 87.6 points per game, the Knicks were even further ahead!
Currently, perimeter players' offensive capabilities are inefficient and inconsistent, and most teams still rely on big men.
The reason why the Knicks are so popular with many fans is mainly due to Clay Lee's overwhelmingly superior performance.
Just as Michael Jordan made early 90s perimeter players seem like mere novices, Clay Lee, who entered the 180 Club this season, also completely outclassed all other perimeter players.
History always repeats itself.
Eastern Conference teams were once taught a lesson by Michael Jordan.
After enduring the Chicago Bulls, they now face the New York Knicks.
Many players are already imitating Clay Lee, such as Antoine Walker of the early-fishing Celtics, who confidently retorted when questioned:
"If Clay can shoot three-pointers, why can't I?"
Facts prove that shooting is also a talent.
Antoine Walker's wild shooting led to Head Coach Pitino's dismissal, and he himself earned a new title:
"Chucker!"
It's not that everyone doesn't want to learn, but they simply can't.
Even though most Eastern Conference teams heavily guarded Lee's three-point shot this season, his output still led the league.
The New York Media, having received the news early, were already hyping up the Bald Young Coach in the morning.
Jeff Van Gundy even made headlines in the sports sections of several print media outlets.
Whether it's regular season or playoff win rates, Jeff Van Gundy's numbers are ridiculously high.
Phil Jackson has become the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" old man.
The true Champion Coach is still Head Coach Van Gundy!
The Coaches' Association also sent congratulations.
Jeff Van Gundy has become a super famous coach, and it seems only a matter of time before he surpasses Red Auerbach.
The Bald Young Coach led the Knicks to a beautiful offense, but their Defense further declined, allowing opponents to score an average of 96.0 points per game, ranking 14th in the league.
The 13th spot was just the Sacramento Kings, and the 15th was the Lakers.
Even when converted to per-100-possession defensive ratings, these three teams still maintained this level.
No one in the league currently achieves excellence in both offense and Defense.
The Knicks' defensive decline was due to personnel issues, while the Lakers were affected by injuries to O'Neal and Kobe.
On TNT's morning show, in addition to congratulating Head Coach Van Gundy on his award, they also discussed the changes in the Knicks this season.
Kenny Smith had already seen the team's statistics, but he found it difficult to comment on the Knicks' performance, so he could only subtly offer his opinion:
"The competitive environments faced by Eastern and Western Conference teams are completely different."
"For most of the time, the Knicks' opponents were Eastern Conference teams. With no disrespect intended, from a schedule perspective, it was indeed easier compared to Western Conference teams."
"Head Coach Van Gundy is indeed remarkable, but the Knicks still declined this season. This has nothing to do with the Head Coach's ability, but rather an issue with the team-building philosophy."
Charles Barkley also didn't look closely at the data.
He just grinned widely and said:
"If I were to coach the Knicks, perhaps I could also have a good performance. I believe I can do better than that guy Thomas. At least the Pacers wouldn't only get 41 wins."
"Kenny also has a point. The Knicks' interior Defense has issues, and the big men aren't taking on more scoring responsibilities on offense."
"But for this roster to achieve such results, I must commend Head Coach Van Gundy. He is underestimated, and he deserves more respect!"
After Ernie Johnson praised the Bald Young Coach, he went on to introduce Clay Lee's related statistics:
"The league's Best offense is also inseparable from Lee's performance!"
"This season, within the three-point line, Lee averaged 13.5 attempts per game, while attempts at the rim (0-3 feet) were as high as 6.3 times."
"His field goal percentage at the rim reached an astonishing 74.3%, with both volume and efficiency leading all backcourt players in the league."
"Perhaps this is also why the Knicks changed their tactical approach. Lee's finishing at the rim is even better than most big men in the league!"
When these statistics were mentioned, Charles Barkley was somewhat speechless, and in the end, he could only offer platitudes:
"Eastern Conference teams need to be prepared. In the playoffs, Lee's scoring efficiency will increase even further. I can't think of anyone who can limit him."
"..."
On the evening of the 24th, at 8 PM, Game 2 of the first round officially began.
Before the game, Jeff Van Gundy received the Coach of the Year trophy in the press conference room.
The Bald Young Coach's face was always beaming with a smile.
Besides the New York Media, there was also a reporter from China's Titan Sports present.
Su Qun watched Jeff Van Gundy receive the award and clapped along with the media present, while young staff members around him quietly complained:
"If Van Gundy could coach the Dallas Mavericks, perhaps Wang Zhizhi would get more opportunities."
"Don Nelson is too stubborn. Dirk Nowitzki can still start with a 30% shooting percentage. It's truly incomprehensible."
Many young staff members had just started following the NBA.
Su Qun didn't stop their complaints, and he also felt a bit annoyed about Wang Zhizhi's treatment.
China's most outstanding young player only played a few games at the end of the regular season for the Dallas Mavericks, which certainly didn't meet fans' expectations.
An even more interesting phenomenon was that due to the 76ers winning a pile of honors this season, after all the hype and reports, Xxx fans also learned about the rebellious Allen Iverson.
Lee was just an "equipment dog," while Allen Iverson was a fashion icon.
Unlike the Knicks players who strictly adhered to the dress code, factors such as "chains," "dreadlocks," "baggy casual suits," and "unyielding fighting spirit" gained Allen Iverson many fans on the other side of the ocean.
(A/N: Super Delusional 😂)
When Lee, dressed in a training uniform, appeared at the press conference, he also brought a gift for the Bald Young Coach: a custom-made ROLEX watch.
Despite earning a maximum salary, Jeff Van Gundy, apart from a decent suit, didn't have many luxury items.
As he presented the gift, Lee didn't forget to tease him:
"Coach, I hope you like everyone's gesture. Don't forget to replace your Toyota car too. You know, it just doesn't fit the team's image!"
The New York Media below burst into laughter.
Those who frequently visited the Tarrytown Training Center would notice a special Toyota car among the many luxury cars in the parking lot.
Jeff Van Gundy hugged Lee, returned to his seat, and also chuckled in response:
"I'll definitely get a new car in the offseason. Sorry, I've been dragging the team down all these years!"
"..."
Bald Young Coach had promised to change his car many times, but he was always reluctant to spend the money.
Receiving this watch worth over ten thousand, and still driving a small car, it really felt a bit improper.
The entire New York Knicks team was beaming with joy, while the Pacers, after two days of rest, still looked glum upon arriving at Madison Square Garden.
As the players from both teams entered, the atmosphere on site grew even more heated.
Nearly twenty thousand spectators were all smiling and waiting for the tip-off.
No one cared about the opponent's state.
The New York Knicks would win anyway.
During the final warm-up phase before the game, Grant Hill stretched his body, occasionally throwing down a dunk.
Ewing, meanwhile, was chatting and laughing with socialites in the front row by the sidelines.
Gorilla appeared particularly relaxed.
Lee just shot casually.
His warm-up was already complete.
He would occasionally greet the Pacers players.
Isiah Thomas was not in a good mood.
As a rookie Head Coach, making the playoffs was considered a success, but the commentators repeatedly mocked his coaching level, which made him very uncomfortable.
Once the game started, both sides entered into an offensive battle.
The Pacers no longer deliberately slowed the pace, shooting whenever an opportunity arose from beyond the arc and attacking the rim directly on fast breaks.
By the second quarter, Isiah Thomas had completely entered a state of fury, constantly shouting from the sidelines, trying to encourage his players.
Reggie Miller, whose shooting had been particularly poor in the previous game, finally exploded.
Watching Reggie Miller catch the ball on the left wing beyond the three-point line, feint, take a jab step, and then force a jump shot that went in, Madison Square Garden was filled with boos.
47:51.
Reggie Miller, who hadn't missed a shot in the second quarter, let out a low growl as he retreated on Defense, hitting himself twice to vent his frustration.
"Reggie Miller is in excellent form! So far in the game, he's only missed two shots!"
7-of-9 in the first quarter, and his form didn't drop in the second.
Marv Albert, from the commentary booth, could only marvel.
This was completely different from his brick-laying performance in the last game.
"Let's go Knicks!"
The New York fans in the arena were enraged, and their shouts grew louder and louder.
After the inbound pass, Lee passed the ball to Grant Hill before crossing half-court.
Tonight, the Pacers once again implemented a mindless double-team strategy.
Compared to complex defensive switches, this tactic seemed more suitable for big men like O'Neal.
Seeing Lewis standing in the left elbow area, Ewing moved to the right elbow area.
Isiah Thomas shouted from the sidelines to remind Best:
"Stick to him! Guard your man!"
Even if he hadn't heard his Head Coach's shouts, the smaller Best was practically hanging on Lee at this point.
As the two arrived at the left wing, Best didn't even look at his position, constantly pulling covertly, his hands never stopping, focusing intently on guarding Lee.
At the top of the arc, Jalen Rose also didn't stick tight to Grant Hill, leaving a step of space, while loudly calling out to his teammates to maintain their matchups.
On the right wing, Allan Houston suddenly cut horizontally, first going high to try and use Ewing's screen to shake off Reggie Miller.
Moving to near the free-throw line, he immediately went low, circling behind Lewis before quickly flaring out.
Lee started simultaneously, and under the pulling, he first rushed to the left near the baseline, then suddenly flared out diagonally, using Ewing's screen, and ran towards the right wing.
Both moved at the same time, but it was Lee's side that ultimately found an opening.
On the right wing, before Lee could even receive the ball, Ewing immediately rolled down.
Jermaine hesitated again, having been repeatedly spoon-fed by Gorilla, which prevented him from immediately rushing to Lee's front.
Best saw that his teammate didn't choose to delay the switch and didn't have time to warn him.
Lee, who received the ball on the right wing, made no adjustments.
He twisted his body and drifted slightly, quickly jumping up for a shot from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net.
47:54.
With 2 minutes and 46 seconds left in the first half, the lead was extended again.
The Pacers' bench players stared blankly.
Reggie Miller's divine performance still couldn't tie the score.
"Wow!"
The cheers reminded the Pacers that they were still trailing.
Best, who received the inbound pass, was again led in Defense by Lee, and his pushing speed plummeted.
After a half of frantic offense, Reggie Miller was now also panting heavily.
He went back and forth along the baseline, flaring out to the right wing, but still couldn't find an opportunity.
Jermaine, at this point, was posting up on the left block, demanding the ball, appearing particularly confident against Ewing.
Coming to the left wing, Best's lob pass, under Lee's interference, was of poor quality, preventing Jermaine from receiving the ball in his most comfortable position.
Near the left block, Jermaine O'Neal immediately faced the basket upon receiving the ball.
He didn't do much faking.
After putting the ball down with his left hand, he aggressively backed down Ewing, pushing him to the left of the basket, then immediately exploded up, drawing a foul on Gorilla.
Ewing, whose lateral movement speed had decreased, appeared somewhat disheveled facing the impact of the young center.
Jeff Van Gundy, who was on the bench, took advantage of the opponent's free throw to immediately substitute Ben Wallace back in, while also comforting Ewing:
"Pat, get some good rest!"
Because Ben Wallace had already picked up 2 fouls in the first quarter, Ewing had to play a bit longer in the second quarter.
Back on the bench, he couldn't help but pant heavily.
Although the Pacers were making a strong comeback, the New York Knicks players didn't react much.
Jermaine O'Neal missed his second free throw, cursed under his breath, and didn't even bother to grab the offensive rebound, turning his head to quickly retreat on Defense.
Croshere also followed Lewis across half-court.
Ben Wallace, who grabbed the rebound, passed the ball to Grant Hill, then also rushed forward with the others.
At the top of the arc, Lee, who had run to the left wing, moved horizontally, away from the three-point line, and received a hand-off pass from Grant Hill.
Facing the double-team of Jalen Rose and Best, he dribbled one step horizontally, and after drawing the Defense, Clay Lee quickly spun and passed the ball back to Hill on the left wing.
The latter, with no defender in front of him when he received the ball, didn't opt for a three-pointer, but instead smoothly took two big steps forward and hit a pull-up jump shot from the left block!
Such an easy score also brought a smile to Grant Hill's face.
An uncontested mid-range shot near the free-throw line was very reliable.
48:56. The lead was still widening.
From the commentary booth, Hubie Brown immediately shook his head upon seeing this situation:
"Stay away from the three-point line. There's no need for an aggressive defensive strategy."
"To catch up, the Pacers need to pay attention to defensive details. Head Coach Thomas needs to make further adjustments at halftime."
As he spoke, Jalen Rose, using Jermaine O'Neal's screen at the right elbow, cut sharply into the paint.
Ben Wallace constantly slid backward to the right, jumping up with his opponent in the paint.
Jalen Rose, realizing he couldn't shake off the Defense, wanted to draw a foul directly.
He twisted his body in the air but to no avail.
His left-handed floater was directly swatted down by Ben Wallace.
"Oh!"
Watching Jalen Rose fall, the Madison Square Garden was filled with excited shouts.
Lewis controlled the ball and immediately tossed it upcourt.
Best watched Lee accelerate again beside him and could only chase fiercely.
As Lee scooped up the ball, Best quickly reached out to pull him, while also initiating body contact.
As the two reached the right wing, Lee suddenly stopped short and quickly dribbled behind his back.
The moment he switched to his left hand, he immediately executed an In-and-Out, faking right and driving left.
As he exerted force outwards, he quickly pivoted on his right foot, completing a turn with extreme speed.
Best completely lost his defensive position, watching Lee scoop the ball with his right hand.
When he tried to chase back, his hand movement was slapped away by Lee's ball-protecting hand.
The two collided, which instead allowed Lee to use the momentum again, driving straight to the basket.
From the crossover to the drive, Lee's movements were too fast.
By the time the New York fans reacted, they only saw Best clumsily lose his defensive position, watching Lee break through to the basket.
After jumping with both feet, he grabbed the ball with his right hand and performed a tomahawk dunk!
"Boom!" The fast-break dunk was successful!
48:58, the score difference reached double digits, and Madison Square Garden completely erupted.
Clay Lee, who was as fierce as a tiger on the fast break and easily dunked, smiled as he retreated to Defense.
Back on his half, he noticed Reggie Miller seemed to be running out of steam and teased him in a low voice:
"Reggie, retire! I think you'd make a good commentator!"
"Shut up!"
Reggie Miller pushed away Lee, who was hugging him, and growled before preparing to run again.
Facing the rotating Defense from the Knicks' backcourt, Miller, who hadn't rested for a minute in the first half, was indeed struggling.
No matter how he back-cut, Clay Lee always stayed by his side.
The offensive time ran down to 14 seconds, the play didn't work, and finally, Croshere drove hard against Lewis from the right block, missing a layup under the basket.
Ben Wallace once again grabbed the defensive rebound and, seeing the Pacers players quickly retreating, immediately passed the ball to the supporting Grant Hill.
Accelerating along the left sideline, Hill chased his opponent's backside across half-court after receiving the ball.
Pausing slightly at the three-point line, Grant Hill, holding the ball in his left hand, drove with a shoulder drop, pushing against Jalen Rose, who was constantly sliding to the right, and cut in from the left wing with a burst of speed.
Unable to completely shake off the Defense, Grant Hill suddenly dished the ball behind his back while on the move.
Ben Wallace, following up in the middle, received the ball and surged forward for a dunk!
Jermaine O'Neal also showed his talent, somehow interfering with the seemingly certain dunk.
Without complaining to the referee, Ben Wallace landed and jumped a second time, grabbing the rebound again, then immediately passed the ball to the top of the arc outside the three-point line.
Upon receiving the ball, Lee put it down with his right hand.
Facing Best, who again rushed to defend, he dribbled between his legs, feinted to the left, and then performed a large, in-front-of-the-body crossover.
Best, still sliding to the right, stumbled from the fake, unable to adjust his defensive center of gravity, and was blown by Lee, who held the ball in his right hand.
At this point, the Pacers players had just completed their defensive assignments, and Jermaine O'Neal, who had just made the block, was still observing the situation on the court.
In a blink of an eye, Clay Lee was airborne in the paint directly in front of the basket.
Jumping with both feet, Lee ignored Jermaine O'Neal, who jumped again to block.
He grabbed the ball with his right hand, collided with the defender in the air, his head almost level with the rim, and fiercely slammed the ball into the basket!
"Boom!"
The rim roared, and Lee successfully dunked over his defender!
"Wow!"
Madison Square Garden completely exploded.
The New York fans stood up and cheered excitedly.
Ben Wallace under the basket was stunned, then immediately went forward and embraced Lee, who had landed, shouting wildly.
"Ah!!"
Before he could show off, Clay Lee was surrounded by his teammates.
Everyone was greatly stimulated by the sudden poster dunk.
Jermaine O'Neal, who almost fell, stood dumbfounded under the basket, seemingly unable to believe he was posterized.
A guard dunking over a center has an explosive visual effect, and Marv Albert subconsciously raised his voice:
"My God! That's incredible, Lee's dunk was amazing!"
Hubie Brown noticed that the Pacers players were a bit dejected and could only lament:
"In transition offense, Grant Hill and Clay Lee's drives can always easily create opportunities. To catch up in the second half, they need to strengthen their Defense."
In the final minute and a bit, both teams started going to the free-throw line.
At halftime, the score was 50:62, with the Knicks leading by 12 points.
In the first half, Reggie Miller made 11 of 14 shots, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 3 of 4 free throws, scoring a massive 27 points.
However, thinking that his team was still down by double digits, Miller, walking towards the player tunnel, could only breathe heavily in frustration.
On the other side, Clay Lee only played 16 minutes in the first half, making 8 of 12 shots, 1 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 4 of 4 free throws, accumulating 21 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover.
Ron Artest was still shouting next to Lee as they walked towards the player tunnel, seemingly not yet recovered from the excitement of the poster dunk.
The state of the players from both sides was clearly visible on their faces.
After the second half began, the red-hot Reggie Miller completely wilted.
Constantly chased and defended, he was unable to shake off the Defense.
Jalen Rose, who took over the offensive possessions, began his brick-laying performance again.
Head Coach Isiah Thomas on the sidelines watched as the Knicks surged faster and faster, with wave after wave of counterattacks.
He could only shout loudly, but it had no effect whatsoever.
Several timeouts also failed to stop Jalen Rose and Reggie Miller's brick-laying offense.
Watching Lee grab the long rebound, overpower Best, and cut in from the right wing again, Jermaine O'Neal, who was chasing him, simply gave up on the Defense.
Jalen Rose retreated to the basket, only to see Lee lob the ball towards the upper left side of the rim.
Grant Hill, following up, effortlessly scooped the ball in mid-air for a two-handed dunk!
65:85, the score difference reached 20 points.
"The outcome is decided. The Knicks have once again overwhelmed the Pacers with their counterattacks!"
"Perhaps Head Coach Thomas should consider how to defend his home court."
Hubie Brown looked at the grinning Knicks bench and could only shake his head helplessly.
The game did not meet his expectations.
Marv Albert, seeing that the Pacers had called a timeout, started chatting about topics outside of the game:
"Last night, the 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic again. This season, they have a chance to reach the Eastern Conference Finals."
"It's a pity that Head Coach Larry Brown missed out on the Coach of the Year (COY) award. The Knicks really performed too well this season."
The two began to discuss the awards.
After the timeout, they no longer commentated on every possession.
At the end of the third quarter, the score was 69:92, and the fourth quarter entered garbage time again.
During the quarter break, Madison Square Garden was filled with cheers.
Although their old rivals played well tonight, the Knicks seemed to be hitting their stride, which greatly pleased the New York fans!
Back on the bench, Clay Lee also bumped fists with everyone and put on his warm-up jacket, planning to wave the towel in the fourth quarter.
"I think everyone underestimates your speed. You're even faster than some shorter guards!"
Grant Hill, whose form had recovered tonight, also quietly praised Lee's performance as he returned to his seat.
Clearly, that poster dunk had also shocked the "Jordan successor."
Taking the water bottle from Chauncey Billups, Lee rehydrated.
Hearing Grant Hill's words, he just shrugged:
"There's still some gap, but I think I still have room for improvement."
The atmosphere group beside him was speechless.
Still room for improvement?
Lee raised an eyebrow at everyone, smiling without explaining.
What he said was sincere:
[Allen Iverson's extraordinary speed]
This talent was acquired after winning the Atlantic Division championship in the regular season.
Considering his own speed isn't slow, this talent wouldn't provide too much of a boost after being adapted.
Watching the highly motivated atmosphere group, ready to go on court and rack up points, Lee called out his talent panel.
Seeing that the new talent was already purple, he sighed regretfully:
"As expected, I'm reaching my limit again."
.....
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