Yao Ming lay on the ground for a while before being helped onto a chair by his teammates.
The team doctor came over to conduct a basic examination and found that Yao Ming's waist was very sore and he couldn't move.
This made his teammates very worried.
For an athlete, the waist is extremely important.
Therefore, to protect Yao Ming, he definitely wouldn't be playing in this game and needed a comprehensive examination before he could.
What a feat, the Spurs had managed to take out two core players of the Knicks with just a backup center.
There was no suspense left in this game.
Popovich was expressionless, but inwardly he was ecstatic; they were definitely going to win this game!
The remaining Knicks players were furious and indignant, continuing to fight on the court.
However, the disparity in team strength was evident, and their efforts were futile.
It was only when the strength of both sides was relatively equal that fighting with all one's might became the path to victory.
At the end of the first half, the score was 57:48, with the Spurs leading by 9 points.
During the halftime break, Yu Jia and Zhang Zhi, commentators from China Central Television Sports Channel, discussed the game.
The two had differing opinions on Li Feng's impulsive actions today.
Yu Jia believed that Li Feng was too impulsive today, and being ejected would significantly weaken the team.
However, Zhang Zhi disagreed, feeling that Li Feng's punch was a display of grit, and on the highly competitive NBA court, it could establish him as a tough guy, which would be beneficial for him and the team in the long run.
"Director Zhang, do you think Li Feng needs more games to mature?"
Director Zhang shook his head with a smile, "No, I think his actions today were a very mature performance. Well played!"
"Well played? But today's game... the Knicks have little hope of winning."
"This is just an ordinary regular season game. The Knicks are aiming for the playoffs this season, so losing one game doesn't matter much."
As a former Chinese men's basketball player, Director Zhang deeply understood the importance of momentum in such confrontational sports.
"Alas, I just hope Yao Ming isn't injured. He's been playing well since joining the Knicks, and his weight loss has been successful. Many Chinese fans are hoping Yao Ming can win a championship with Li Feng."
"Exactly, that's why I say Li Feng's punch was well-struck, letting those dirty players know that we Chinese players are not to be trifled with."
"Director Zhang, he'll probably be suspended for this, right?" Yu Jia asked worriedly.
"He probably will be, but it's fine. The Knicks have a significant lead over the second-place team, so a few days of rest is good. The playoffs are coming up, and they should be prepared."
Many fans sent messages agreeing with Director Zhang's view, believing Li Feng's punch was well-executed!
A single punch in the face could prevent a hundred punches later.
But Yu Jia was still worried and sighed, saying, "If Li Feng gets suspended in the playoffs, it would be a huge loss."
Director Zhang smiled and shook his head, "Li Feng won't be that foolish. In the playoffs, he won't be so impulsive; he'll prioritize bringing home the victory."
...
Li Feng watched his teammates continue the game on the TV in the locker room.
Without Yao Ming and Li Feng, the Knicks fought valiantly in the second half, but the immense gap in strength ultimately led to the Spurs defeating the Knicks on the road with a score of 115:102.
After the game, the media engaged in heated discussions about Li Feng's "violent" behavior.
Similar to Chinese fans, the vast majority of fans affirmed Li Feng's actions, saying that the league was lacking in fighting spirit.
Facing dirty play, one should act when the time is right!
...
Although Li Feng did not regret his actions, he still communicated with his teammates after the game.
"Brothers, let me clarify one point. This is a regular season game, and we must show the Knicks' fighting spirit, so that all opponents dare not underestimate us!"
"However, when it comes to the playoffs, I promise that I will handle such incidents in the most calm manner. Victory is our top priority!"
After Li Feng finished speaking, the players applauded. Li Feng had fulfilled all the responsibilities of a leader.
Just after practice, De Antoni pulled Li Feng aside and quietly advised him, "Li Feng, you handled this situation beautifully, but you don't need to personally intervene in the future."
Li Feng was taken aback, not understanding what Coach D'Antoni meant.
De Antoni waved his hand, and the team's bench player, Douglas, walked over.
This was a minimum-wage player who rarely got playing time, but he was strong and reportedly had trained in combat sports.
"Douglas, if you encounter similar conflicts in the future, you know what to do, right?"
De Antoni made a gesture to Douglas, who nodded and said, "I understand. I'll take care of these things from now on."
Li Feng suddenly realized and smiled, knowing that if the team wanted to win a championship, they needed to be prepared for everything.
In fact, in the NBA of the last century, almost every team had a player similar to a bodyguard.
Their skills might have been average, but they were fierce.
When their star player was maliciously fouled by an opponent, the bodyguard would step forward to teach the opposing player a lesson.
Even if they were ejected, it didn't matter, as their playing time was limited.
If fines were incurred, the club would pay them.
In recent years, such players had become fewer, but some teams still kept one on the bench, just in case.
The Knicks had become public enemies of the entire league, facing universal opposition. To win a championship, they needed to be thoroughly prepared.
They couldn't have Li Feng personally handle things every time.
Everything was understood without words. Li Feng smiled and patted Douglas on the shoulder.
...
The day after the game, the league announced the punishment for Li Feng: Li Feng would be suspended for one game, and the Spurs' McDyess would be suspended for three games.
This outcome satisfied all parties involved. The Spurs suffered no significant loss, as McDyess was merely a backup center.
However, other teams began to view Li Feng with newfound respect.
This Chinese kid was indeed not to be messed with.
Yao Ming also underwent a full examination and had no major issues; he would be able to play in the next game.
...
The Knicks' next regular season game was an away game against the Magic.
In the previous two matchups between the two teams, the Knicks had secured two victories.
Magic fans were very frustrated. As a team that reached the finals last year, they had been defeated by the Knicks twice.
This time, playing at home against the Knicks, Li Feng was suspended, and the Magic hoped to turn the tide.
However, while Li Feng was suspended, Yao Ming was back for the Knicks.
Yao Ming was a nemesis to the Magic.
Previously, when Yao Ming played for the Rockets in the Western Conference, he only played the Magic twice a year.
Now that Yao Ming had moved to the Eastern Conference, he would play the Magic four times a year, which gave Dwight Howard a headache.
Fortunately, with Li Feng out for this game, the Magic still had a chance.
Li Feng did not travel with the team to Orlando and could only watch the game at home.
Just before the game started, he received a call from Jenna.
"Li Feng, are you... are you okay?" Jenna's tone was filled with concern; she was worried that Li Feng might be in a bad mood after being suspended.
Li Feng smiled and said, "What could happen to me? It's just a one-game suspension. Is there something you need?"
"Oh, it's good that you're okay. Can I invite you to watch the game together?"
Jenna, being thoughtful, knew that Li Feng would definitely be watching the game at home, so she wanted to use the excuse of watching the game to visit Li Feng's place.
Li Feng had bought an apartment in New York. It wasn't very luxurious, but in the highly desirable and expensive New York, it was not something ordinary people could afford.
"No thanks, I'd rather watch the game alone. I'm not used to watching games with girls."
Li Feng immediately refused, and Jenna was very disappointed.
"Why are you being so distant towards me? Aren't we friends?"
"We are friends. But friends don't have to do everything together, do they? I just want to watch the game by myself. Is there anything else?"
"Goodbye!"
Beep...
Jenna hung up the phone in anger. She, a spoiled princess since childhood, had never been rejected by a man like this before.
The game was fiercely contested. Without Li Feng, the Knicks moved Lowry into the starting lineup to partner with Yao Ming.
Fortunately, Lowry and Yao Ming had often played together when they were both on the Rockets, so they had a good understanding.
Coupled with Yao Ming's dominance over Howard, the Knicks still led the Magic by 7 points at halftime.
However, in the second half, the Magic intensified their outside offense. Lowry, despite his tenacity, lacked the experience to withstand Nelson's drives and three-pointers.
Yao Ming could dominate Howard in the paint, but his weakness on the perimeter left him helpless.
So, by the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were trailing by 9 points.
Li Feng stared intently at the screen, his fists clenched. He truly wished he could be on the court fighting alongside his teammates to secure victory.
But as things stood, he could only gather his strength and wait to play in the next game.
Ultimately, the Knicks were defeated by the Magic on the road, marking their second consecutive loss.
Yao Ming played 31 minutes today, scoring 26 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists.
Dwight Howard played 34 minutes, scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Both in terms of statistics and on-court performance, Howard was outplayed by Yao Ming.
However, in overall team strength, the Magic was superior, and Yao Ming's efforts were in vain.
After two consecutive losses, the Knicks' record dropped back to second in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Cavaliers.
The Magic, after defeating the Knicks, remained in third place in the Eastern Conference, half a game behind the Knicks.
The regular season was nearing its end, with each team having about 10 games left.
These remaining games would be crucial for some teams.
For teams that had already secured a playoff spot, the remaining games would determine home-court advantage.
For teams on the playoff bubble, these would be do-or-die matches.
Therefore, the upcoming games would be a significant test for the Knicks.
For Li Feng, there was still one more task to complete.
【Ding, if the host wins the regular season MVP by the end of this season, you will receive an ultimate super-value gift package!】
Li Feng heard the system's notification and was very excited.
It was extremely difficult for a rookie to win MVP.
Currently, Li Feng ranked second in the MVP race.
LeBron James of the Cavaliers was ranked first.
Many media outlets and fans expressed their unfairness towards Li Feng, as both his individual statistics and the team's record were superior.
The Cavaliers only occasionally surpassed the Knicks.
Although Li Feng was not particularly interested in this honor, his competitive spirit made him determined to strive for it.
In NBA history, only three rookies had won MVP:
Wilt Chamberlain in '59, Bob Lanier in '68, and Magic Johnson.
However, the first two won the regular season MVP, while Magic Johnson won the Finals MVP, a "peak from the start" achievement!
In the remaining 10 games, the Knicks and the Cavaliers had one last showdown.
In their previous three matchups, the Knicks had won two and lost one, holding a leading advantage.
This final game would essentially determine who would have the league's best record and who would win the MVP.
...
The Knicks' next game was a home game against the Nuggets from the West.
In their last encounter, the Knicks had defeated the Nuggets on the road before the All-Star break.
In that game, both Li Feng and Carmelo Anthony played well, with Li Feng's driving layup ultimately securing the victory.
The Knicks had won a narrow victory.
Because Denver was located in a high-altitude region, the Knicks players experienced breathing difficulties, and their stamina was significantly affected.
Li Feng also found it difficult to adapt, but he pushed through to win the game.
Returning home this time, De Antoni dared not be careless and made meticulous preparations with the players.
In their last meeting, the Knicks were without Yao Ming, allowing Anthony to score many points in the paint.
Now that Yao Ming was back, Anthony would not be able to penetrate the basket as easily and would likely increase his outside shooting.
Carmelo's skills were exceptional, known as an "offensive kaleidoscope," with extremely strong threats.
Even if he couldn't penetrate the paint, he had many ways to score.
Therefore, the Knicks had made thorough defensive tactical preparations.
...
At 8 PM, Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Knicks hosted the Nuggets.
The Nuggets' starting lineup was Anthony, Billups, Nene, Kenyon Martin, and Afflalo.
The Knicks' starting five were Li Feng, Yao Ming, Gallinari, Scola, and Duhon.
In the first quarter, the Nuggets launched a fierce offensive.
Nene and Kenyon Martin were both formidable interior players.
Yao Ming's strength was slightly reduced after losing weight, and he was overpowered by Nene for a basket.
However, Yao Ming subsequently showcased his refined skills, his floaters and little hooks in the paint scoring frequently.
The score remained tight between the two teams.
Anthony and Li Feng did not exert full effort in the first half, appearing to tacitly agree to a battle in the paint.
After the first official timeout, Anthony began to attack.
He received the ball beyond the three-point line and hit a direct three-pointer, extending the lead to 4 points.
Li Feng showed no weakness, responding with a logo three-pointer on the next possession, a show of strong defiance.
The point difference returned to 1 point.
Anthony and Li Feng began a scoring duel.
Typically, Li Feng would let his teammates take the lead in the first quarter and then unleash his full power in the latter half of the second quarter.
But Anthony's aggressive onslaught from the start today made Li Feng's competitive spirit flare up.