Nelson and Carter pursued relentlessly. They had gained some experience now; even if they couldn't match Li Feng's speed, they tried to stay close to him, extending their arms to prevent him from receiving the ball.
Li Feng ran directly to Yao Ming's side. Yao Ming, with his broad frame, easily blocked Carter.
Nelson, lacking height, was left behind. Li Feng seized the opportunity and drove to the basket.
Du Hong, with a flick of his wrist, passed the ball.
Upon receiving the pass, Li Feng faced a rotating block from Howard. Without hesitation, he leaped into the air!
Those familiar with Li Feng knew this meant he was about to dunk over a prominent center again.
Despite Howard's thorough preparation, Li Feng, with his incredible jumping ability, still managed to dunk over him with a resounding *bang*!
After scoring, Li Feng grabbed the rim with one hand and let out a roar.
This wasn't the first time Howard had been dunked on by Li Feng. He was somewhat accustomed to it and merely turned away dejectedly.
Although Li Feng's dunk was exhilarating, the Magic's scoring spree continued, and their three-point barrage persisted.
There was nothing to be done. Li Feng had no opportunity to shoot from beyond the three-point line, and his teammates' three-point attempts were unreliable.
Yao Ming would occasionally make one or two, but it wasn't enough to quench their thirst for points.
At the end of the first half, the Magic had already established a 32-point lead.
In the third quarter of the second half, Li Feng and Yao Ming managed to mount a comeback.
Fortunately, the Magic's shooters suddenly went cold in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to around 15 points.
However, the Magic possessed strong adjustment capabilities. Coach Van Gundy immediately substituted Barnes and Nelson, who had ice-cold hands, for Redick and Pietrus.
These two reserve shooters lived up to expectations, hitting consecutive shots right after coming onto the court.
The Knicks players felt a sense of powerlessness, of despair.
Li Feng and Yao Ming could only sigh in their hearts, acknowledging that tonight was another night that did not belong to the Knicks!
Seeing Li Feng and Yao Ming pushing themselves too hard, Coach D'Antoni, worried they would get tired and injured, quickly subbed them and the other starters out.
After all, the series was best-of-seven, and this one game wasn't crucial.
Li Feng sat on the bench, covering his head with a towel.
He was consumed by self-blame.
However, self-blame wouldn't solve the problem, and besides, it wasn't Li Feng's sole responsibility.
By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were once again trailing by over 30 points. Coach D'Antoni had no choice but to call it a day, benching the starters.
Ultimately, the Magic defended their home court, securing the victory and making the series score 2-1.
Although the Magic were still trailing significantly in the series, their players and fans were ecstatic.
To snatch a game from the formidable Knicks felt like more than enough.
Li Feng played 27 minutes today, scoring 24 points, a stat far below his playoff average.
However, one couldn't say Li Feng didn't perform well. The Magic had heavily focused their defense on Li Feng, which was a gamble.
It was just that they had won their gamble; the other Knicks players had failed to step up.
Objectively speaking, given their performance today, any team in history would have struggled against the Magic, because their three-point shooting was incredibly accurate, and they took many.
In the end, the Magic scored 133 points without overtime, with an astonishing 31 three-pointers out of 37 attempts!
It could only be said that the Knicks lost deservedly.
...
The media also maintained an objective stance. They didn't bombard the Knicks with criticism after their loss. Instead, they became more optimistic about the Knicks' chances.
This was because basketball analysts believed that such exceptional three-point shooting could not be sustained every game.
If they were truly that accurate, then there would be no point in playing anymore.
However, what happened next defied everyone's expectations.
In Game 4, the Magic's shooters continued their otherworldly shooting, once again unleashing a three-point storm.
Even though Li Feng tried his best to shake off defenders today and scored a few baskets, it was like a drop in the ocean.
The Magic had already established a dominant lead by the end of the third quarter.
This brought the series score to a 2-2 tie!
After two consecutive road losses, the Knicks' once bright outlook suddenly became uncertain.
The media began questioning Li Feng's leadership ability.
A renowned basketball analyst from ESPN discussed on a program that Li Feng, as a rookie, had done more than enough, but that was it; he wasn't yet a superstar.
Perhaps next year, or the year after, Li Feng would reach the NBA Finals, but this year, his capabilities were not yet sufficient to grace the finals stage.
A senior media personality from Yahoo Sports also participated in a basketball roundtable discussion.
The core of their discussion was that Li Feng had failed to crack the Magic's "one star and four shooters" strategy, and even with the addition of the strong reinforcement Yao Ming, he still hadn't demonstrated dominant control.
Li Feng and his teammates returned to New York, and he felt immense pressure.
Since his transmigration, things had been remarkably smooth, almost effortless.
But this time, Li Feng felt suffocated!
If the Magic were to stage a comeback, all the praise, flowers, and applause Li Feng had received before would be lost.
This was the cruelty of competitive sports.
Regardless of your past achievements, if you lose recently, you are mercilessly trampled underfoot and subjected to ridicule.
...
The Knicks' coaching staff was also under tremendous pressure. Upon returning from Orlando, they did not rest but began researching strategies to counter the Magic.
In truth, the fundamental reason for the Knicks' consecutive losses was their insufficient perimeter and wing defense.
In other words, a lack of talent.
If Li Feng were removed from this team and replaced by any other star guard, they would never have reached this height.
It was Li Feng who had elevated them to heights they shouldn't have reached.
Therefore, the Magic, on their home court, finally regained their confidence and delivered two spectacular performances.
Li Feng received numerous calls upon returning to New York, most of them from media personnel wanting interviews.
However, Li Feng refused them all.
At this moment, he only wanted to reflect on himself and had no desire to face the media.
However, Jenna called him at this time.
Li Feng initially intended to hang up directly, but at this moment, he wanted to hear what Jenna had to say.
If Jenna were to mock him or deliberately put him down, Li Feng would have a perfect excuse to cut ties with her.
"Hello, Li Feng, are you... okay now?" Jenna's gentle voice came through.
Li Feng felt that Jenna had no intention of mocking him, so he smiled and replied, "I'm great, why wouldn't I be?"
"I... I saw so many media outlets criticizing you. They're going too far, truly fair-weather friends!" Jenna defended Li Feng.
At this moment, Li Feng suddenly found Jenna quite endearing.
It was remarkable that Jenna was the first person to call and comfort him when Li Feng was at his lowest.
"It's fine, let them say what they want. It's their job to comment on players. I just need to prepare for the next game."
"It seems your mindset is very good. I was worried about you," Jenna seemed to sigh in relief.
Li Feng suddenly had an impulse to see Jenna and have dinner with her.
"Jenna, do you have time? I'd like to treat you to a big meal."
Jenna paused for two seconds, remaining silent. She found it a bit surprising.
This was the first time Li Feng had actively asked her out for a meal; it had always been Jenna initiating before.
"Really? Li Feng, this is your first time asking me out!" Jenna's tone was filled with surprise.
"Don't make such a fuss. We're just having a meal together, what does it matter who asks whom?" Li Feng felt Jenna's reaction was a bit excessive.
"Okay, then pick a place and send me the address."
...
Li Feng found a French restaurant in New York and booked a VIP private room, as Jenna had mentioned before that she liked French cuisine.
Jenna had dressed up meticulously today, looking even more alluring than before.
"Jenna, actually, I prefer it when you dress more casually," Li Feng said with a smile after glancing at her.
"Really? Then I'll go back and change..."
"No, no, this is fine too." Li Feng quickly held her back, and they entered the VIP private room.
"Li Feng, it seems I underestimated you. Your mental fortitude is excellent."
"What do you mean?"
"As a rookie, facing widespread media criticism, anyone else might have their mental state shattered."
Li Feng smiled, "It's not too bad, I have thick skin, hehe!"
"No, it's your strong mentality. I truly admire you," Jenna said softly, her face slightly flushed.
"There's nothing for you to admire. I'm just a player."
"You're too humble. Which player can win MVP in their rookie season? And lead their team to the Eastern Conference Finals?"
...
After having dinner with Jenna, Li Feng's mood indeed improved significantly.
The next day during training, Li Feng greeted his teammates with renewed vigor.
The Knicks teammates were initially quite dejected, but seeing Li Feng's high spirits, they were all inspired.
"Brothers, we are now on the same level as the Magic. Let's give it our all. We must win this pivotal Game 5!"
"Alright, win Game 5!"
"Win Game 5!"
...
Coach D'Antoni watched from afar, feeling gratified. Having such a leader and core player made things so much easier for him.
Otherwise, he would have to personally pump up the players and motivate them.
Once the players' morale was restored, D'Antoni then instructed them to work on their perimeter defense.
In perimeter defense, while aggressiveness is important, talent is even more crucial.
Apart from Li Feng and Lowry, the perimeter defensive ability of other Knicks players was generally mediocre.
Only Bill Walker was at an average level.
Scola and Gallinari were considered below league average.
With such a defensive lineup, it was truly difficult to defend against the Magic's "one star and four shooters" offense.
Fortunately, in the first two games, the Magic's shooters were too nervous, and their shooting was average; otherwise, it would have been truly perilous.
Li Feng trained diligently with his teammates. By the end of the afternoon, Li Feng was drenched in sweat.
Just as Li Feng returned to his residence, the system's voice chimed in again.
【Ding, the system has detected that the host's team is facing a defensive predicament. The system hereby rewards the host with a team-wide defensive capability enhancement package!】
"Team-wide defensive capability enhancement package?"
Li Feng hadn't received a system reward in a long time because he had been gradually improving his stats through training.
He had even checked yesterday; his strength stat had increased to 95, and his speed stat had reached 97.
Li Feng examined the description of the enhancement package.
It stated: 【Team-wide Defensive Capability Enhancement Package: Can instantly elevate the defensive capabilities of all friendly players to league-topping levels for one game, lasting for 20 minutes.】
Li Feng's heart sank. 20 minutes?
Would 20 minutes be enough?
Well, it was better than nothing.
Moreover, these 20 minutes could be split flexibly. Li Feng could choose when to use the [Defensive Enhancement Package] based on the specific situation of the game.
...
The pivotal Game 5 was about to begin!
At the pre-game press conference, Li Feng and Yao Ming were interviewed by the media.
Although both of them were mentally prepared to face the reporters' challenging questions, they still became agitated when they actually heard them.
A reporter asked, "Mr. Li Feng, you lost two consecutive away games with considerable score differences. Does this indicate that the Magic have found the key to defeating you?"
Li Feng replied with a poker face, "Perhaps, but we have also made adjustments. We will play a different game today!"
"Li Feng, your performance in these two games has been poor, far below your previous games. Can you explain the reason?"
Li Feng thought for a moment and replied, "I myself did not play well, and the Magic's defense was also very good."
"Does your performance in these two games indicate that you have not yet reached the level required to enter the NBA Finals?"
Li Feng's brow furrowed slightly, and the atmosphere in the press conference hall grew tense.
"It's a best-of-seven series, you'd better not forget that. Ask me that again after we're eliminated!" Li Feng retorted, barely suppressing his anger.
Another reporter then turned to Yao Ming.
"Mr. Yao, you've been playing very well for the Knicks, experiencing a resurgence. However, you suffered significant defeats in these past two games. Does this suggest that you are still inferior to Howard?"
Yao Ming was the least afraid of Howard, so when the reporter asked this, he became instantly indignant.
He rarely raised his voice, but he replied, "The two games we lost were lost due to three-point shooting. May I ask how many three-pointers Howard shot?"
"..."
The reporter was left speechless and dared not speak further.
...
At 7:30 PM, Madison Square Garden.
The pivotal Game 5 between the Knicks and the Magic officially tipped off!
The Knicks' starting lineup was Li Feng, Yao Ming, Scola, Bill Walker, and Du Hong.
The Magic's starters were Howard, Lewis, Barnes, Nelson, and Carter.
Having just secured two consecutive victories, the entire Magic team showed a completely different spirit.
Confidence radiated from their faces, exuding an aura of determination to win the game decisively.
Howard secured the first possession.
Nelson dribbled the ball past half-court, with Du Hong closely defending. Nelson, full of confidence, executed a step-back three-pointer!
This was truly audacious!
Who would have a point guard shoot a three-pointer right from the start?
However, the Magic had tasted the sweetness of three-point shooting in the past two games, so the coach had also instructed them to shoot boldly!
*Clang!*
Nelson's shot was off, and the ball bounced off the rim and out. Yao Ming held off Howard, securing the rebound.
Yao Ming threw a long pass to Du Hong.
Du Hong drove past half-court. Facing Nelson's pursuit, he passed the ball horizontally to Li Feng, who was cutting to the basket.
Li Feng intended to showcase a different side of himself today, so he prioritized securing the points he was entitled to!
He no longer passed and, under Carter's defense, directly executed a flying slam dunk.