The Hornets are on offense.
This time, Paul passed the ball to Belinelli, and teammate Ariza helped Belinelli screen Lowry.
Belinelli is a sharpshooter from three-point range, and he shoots very quickly. He immediately took a three-point shot.
Swish!
With an assist, Paul returned Li Feng’s three-pointer with a three-pointer of his own.
After Belinelli made the basket, Paul gave Li Feng a provocative glance, as if to say, "See? I don't need to shoot to make my teammates score!"
Li Feng smiled and said nothing.
Li Feng thought to himself, you’ll soon find out that being able to score yourself is more effective than assisting.
In the next possession, Li Feng faced a double-team but didn’t panic. Using his speed, he squeezed past Belinelli and drove into the paint.
Okafor came to block Li Feng, but Li Feng turned around and was at the basket.
The move was so smooth that Okafor was half a step too late to recover.
Li Feng took off like a pogo stick and, with a bang!
He dunked over Okafor!
It was so dominant.
The Hornets’ home crowd was stunned. Is this a guard?
After scoring, Li Feng grabbed the rim with one hand and roared!
Actually, before that major injury, Paul was also capable of flying through the air. He even dunked on the prime Dwight Howard.
Paul looked at Li Feng from afar and nodded slightly. He noticed that when he observed Li Feng up close, every movement of his was faster than those around him.
This was not just ordinary talent; it was extraordinary talent!
The game continued. Although Paul’s playmaking kept the Hornets’ offense flowing, the Knicks’ overall strength was superior, and they quickly established a lead.
At the end of the first half, the score was 61:47, with the Knicks leading by 14 points.
Li Feng played 15 minutes in the first half and scored 21 points and dished out 6 assists. Paul played 16 minutes in the first half, scoring 12 points and also providing 6 assists.
Paul, known for his elite playmaking, had a similar assist count to Li Feng.
While assists don’t entirely represent playmaking ability, Li Feng’s performance was not inferior to Paul’s.
Paul was a bit dejected during halftime. He walked off the court with a cold expression, not greeting his teammates.
Before this game, the media had been hyping up the debate over who had better playmaking, Li Feng or Paul.
Paul had indeed put in a lot of effort in the first half and showcased his distinctive style.
However, Li Feng’s performance was clearly more eye-catching and he exerted greater control over the game.
…
In the commentary booth of China Sports Channel, Yu Jia and Coach Zhang were providing commentary for the game.
Although their analysis of the game’s outcome was similar, the process of the game left both commentators quite shocked.
“Coach Zhang, I was actually really looking forward to this game because Paul has won multiple First Team All-Defense selections. I thought he would be able to contain Li Feng.”
“Heh heh, Li Feng’s offense has been tested in the Finals. It’s normal for Paul, who hasn’t even reached the conference finals, to not be able to stop Li Feng.”
“It’s a shame. I really like Paul, but after his major injury, his athleticism declined, and he doesn’t have many scoring options, so his ceiling isn’t very high.”
“If Paul has suitable teammates, the team’s competitiveness is still strong, but the Hornets are clearly not that team; they are too weak overall.”
“I have a premonition that Paul might leave the Hornets and join a more competitive team.”
“Oh, I have that feeling too. After being defeated by Li Feng today, Paul will likely be even more determined to change teams.”
“Yu Jia, the game isn’t over yet. Don’t jump to conclusions so early, haha!”
“Coach Zhang, what is there still to question? The Hornets and the Knicks are not on the same level.”
…
The second half began, and the Hornets didn’t make much of a splash. The point difference continued to widen.
Li Feng and Yao Ming only played for over 6 minutes in the third quarter before being substituted out for rest, essentially clocking out.
Ultimately, the Knicks defeated the Hornets on the road.
Li Feng only played for over 20 minutes and scored 28 points, while Yao Ming scored 23 points.
Paul played 31 minutes today, scoring 22 points and dishing out 12 assists, which were typical numbers for him.
They looked good on paper, but they seemed to have little impact on the team’s outcome.
The loss in this game had a significant impact on Paul’s mindset, and he did indeed begin to consider changing teams.
The Knicks continued their winning streak in December.
Christmas Day is approaching, and the league has scheduled three highly anticipated matchups.
The first game is a home game for the Knicks against the Los Angeles Lakers.
As opponents in last season’s Finals, the game between the two teams garners the most viewership.
The second game features the Spurs against the Heat. This game is also full of talking points.
This is because LeBron James’s first Finals experience was a sweep by the Spurs.
Now that LeBron has joined the Heat and has stronger teammates, fans are eager to see if the Heat can avenge LeBron’s previous defeat.
The third game is between the Thunder and the Magic.
Both teams are full of talent, especially Howard and Ibaka, who are known for their athleticism.
The Thunder’s “Big Three” have been performing exceptionally well this season, further fueling fan expectations for them.
…
On December 23rd, the Knicks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks on the road and flew back to New York to prepare for Christmas Day.
As of now, the Knicks have a record of 21 wins and 7 losses, ranking second in the Eastern Conference. The Chicago Bulls are first in the East with a record of 22 wins and 6 losses.
The Heat’s “Big Three” have not displayed dominant performances, with a record of 20 wins and 8 losses, placing them third in the Eastern Conference.
The Spurs have the same record as the Knicks, 21 wins and 7 losses, while the Lakers are second in the Western Conference with a record of 20 wins and 8 losses.
The Mavericks and the Thunder both have records of 19 wins and 9 losses, ranking third and fourth.
…
Coach D’Antoni placed great importance on this Christmas Day game because the Lakers are still a very strong, championship-caliber team.
Furthermore, in their previous matchup this season, the Lakers defeated the Knicks on their home court, making this game a chance for revenge for the Knicks.
However, in that previous game, Yao Ming was out with an injury, and Li Feng had the flu and did not play.
The media was very interested in a rematch of the Finals, and the hype for this Christmas Day game had already begun before the game even started.
Li Feng and Yao Ming attended the press conference and accepted interviews from the media.
A reporter asked, “Mr. Li Feng, if the Knicks meet the Lakers in the Finals this year, do you have confidence in winning the championship?”
Li Feng shrugged and smiled, “Of course, I have confidence because we’ve strengthened our roster this year, and our chemistry with teammates is even better. But with Kobe on the Lakers, anything is possible!”
The reporter felt that Li Feng was becoming increasingly “cunning” in his media responses, practically watertight.
“Mr. Yao Ming, you missed the last game against the Lakers due to injury. Do you think if you had been on the court, you would have helped the Knicks win?”
Yao Ming was quite speechless with the reporter’s current line of questioning, as the media was now completely catering to fans, always asking about hypothetical situations.
“If I had played, the Knicks might have won, or they might have lost. Anything is possible!” Yao Ming echoed Li Feng’s sentiment.
Li Feng burst into laughter, raised his hand, and high-fived Yao Ming. The two of them had played a trick on the reporters.
Another reporter asked, “Mr. Li Feng, the competition in the East is very fierce this year, with both the Heat and the Bulls being very strong. Which team do you think is most likely to emerge from the East?”
Li Feng replied earnestly, “Don’t forget, we are the defending champions. What reason do we have not to emerge from the East?”
The reporters all applauded. Li Feng rarely made bold statements, but today he was on fire.
…
At the Lakers’ press conference, Kobe also accepted media interviews.
Having failed to defend their championship last season, Kobe was under immense pressure.
Now that Kobe and the team’s peak coincided, if they didn’t win championships in these coming years, it would be difficult for Kobe as he aged.
A reporter asked, “Kobe, the Knicks are in great form this year, and their championship roster has been strengthened. Li Feng and Yao Ming are also playing well. Do you think the Lakers have a chance to defeat the Knicks and win the championship?”
Kobe snorted and replied, “The season is not even half over yet, so it’s too early to say. The Knicks first need to consider emerging from the East. This year’s Eastern Conference competition is very fierce, and neither the Bulls nor the Heat are easy opponents.”
“The same goes for our Western Conference. The Spurs, Mavericks, Thunder, and even the Nuggets and Grizzlies are all very strong. We Lakers cannot guarantee we will emerge from the West. But we will definitely strive for it with all our might.”
The reporter then asked, “You once said that Li Feng would become the face of the league. Do you think Li Feng is that now?”
Kobe smiled and replied, “I think he’s still a bit short. If he wins the championship again this year, then he can be considered the face of the league. Last year’s championship was too surprising!”
Kobe’s competitive spirit was clearly evident. His subtext was that they might have underestimated their opponents last year.
Reporters loved such statements and immediately pressed further, “So, in today’s game, with the Knicks at full strength, do you think the Lakers have a high chance of winning?”
“I enjoy playing against teams at full strength; that’s what makes it fun. I don’t wish for any player to get injured!”
This was Kobe; he thrived on competition, and on full-throttle competition. The stronger you are, the more excited he becomes.
…
The highly anticipated Christmas Day game began.
At Madison Square Garden, seven o’clock in the evening.
The Knicks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Knicks’ starting lineup was Li Feng, Yao Ming, Stoudemire, Scola, and Lowry.
The Lakers’ starting five were Kobe, Gasol, Metta, Fisher, and Bynum.
Bynum secured the first possession for the Lakers.
Fisher dribbled past half-court. Kobe didn’t seem to be asking for the ball, standing at the 45-degree angle, hands on his knees, quietly watching.
Li Feng didn’t dare to be careless and stayed close to Kobe.
Fisher passed the ball to Gasol. Gasol made two moves towards the basket, then pulled up the ball, seemingly preparing to drive to the basket.
Just as Stoudemire was preparing to block, Kobe suddenly shook off Li Feng and drove to the baseline.
Gasol, with quick eyes, immediately passed the ball to him. Kobe caught it and jumped for a shot, executing it flawlessly.
Swish!
Two points!
Kobe’s playing style was becoming simpler and more mature.
He had already achieved the composure and refined technique of Jordan’s later three-peat era.
Li Feng was secretly amazed. The moment Kobe shook him off earlier was incredibly fast, and there was also a fake move. It was simply the peak of off-ball skills.
Knicks offense. Li Feng had Lowry bring the ball past half-court.
Since Kobe played such a beautiful off-ball play, I’ll return the favor!
Li Feng made up his mind and also slowly drifted to the corner. Kobe defended him seriously.
Lowry made a crossover, shaking off Fisher, and drove into the paint.
At this point, Gasol abandoned Stoudemire and came to help defend. Lowry immediately passed the ball to Stoudemire.
However, as Stoudemire drove, Metta defended him tightly.
At this critical moment, Li Feng suddenly made a cut and ran towards the middle.
Kobe, caught off guard, was shaken off by Li Feng. He was a bit annoyed and chased after him closely.
But Li Feng’s speed was too fast; he had already reached the other side of the paint.
Stoudemire quickly passed the ball out. After receiving it, Li Feng took a step and took off.
Despite Kobe’s fierce pursuit from behind, Li Feng’s leaping ability was too quick, and he could only watch as Li Feng dunked with one hand.
After the dunk, Li Feng glanced at Kobe, as if to say: Off-ball is good, I like it.
In the next few possessions, Li Feng and Kobe didn’t handle the ball much, primarily playing off-ball. This is where the passing skills of their teammates came into play.
Gasol indeed had excellent court vision; he could always find Kobe, and his own offensive game was also very good.
On the Knicks’ side, there wasn’t anyone like that. Although Li Feng and Lowry had some chemistry, Lowry was an outside player, and his height was limited.
As a result, the Lakers gradually gained the advantage.
With over 5 minutes played in the first quarter, the Lakers led the Knicks 14:10, a 4-point lead, entering the official timeout.
Li Feng sat on the bench, his brows furrowed. He felt that the game was awkward today.
Li Feng hadn’t figured out why it felt awkward yet.
However, as the timeout was about to end, Li Feng had a flash of inspiration, and he finally understood why it felt awkward.
In previous games, Li Feng would decide on the spot whether to hold the ball or play off-ball based on the situation on the court, switching seamlessly.
But today, in his attempt to compete with Kobe, Li Feng had been playing off-ball the entire time, which meant he was neglecting his weapon of attacking with the ball.
Li Feng slapped his forehead and cursed himself for being so stupid, almost falling for Kobe’s trick.
He was different from Kobe. Kobe had never played a role as a primary ball-handler; he only sought shooting opportunities, not ball-handling possession.
Therefore, Kobe’s off-ball play was effortless, and the Lakers’ roster was well-balanced, making it comfortable for Kobe to play.
The Knicks’ roster was essentially built around Li Feng. Li Feng had to primarily handle the ball to maximize his teammates’ potential.
Thus, after the timeout, Li Feng re-entered the game and began holding the ball again.
Facing Kobe’s isolation defense, Li Feng called for a screen and then drove into the paint.
Facing Bynum’s help defense, Li Feng made a no-look pass to Yao Ming.
Yao Ming soared and dunked, scoring two points!
Li Feng’s threat with the ball was immense; it would be a shame to discard it.
Kobe looked at the Knicks’ offensive play and knew that today would be a tough battle!
Lakers offense, Kobe once again found himself near the sideline. Fisher used a screen to get to the right side.