Yao Ming has shown a remarkably diverse offensive arsenal since arriving in New York, significantly increasing his opportunities for easy baskets.
Furthermore, with a reduction in his playing time compared to his time with the Rockets, Yao Ming's efficiency has continued to climb.
Before Li Feng's transmigration, Yao Ming's 2010 season was plagued by injuries and frequent interruptions.
He was on the verge of officially retiring the following season.
However, in this parallel universe, Yao Ming not only secured a championship but also sustained his excellent form for several more years.
The score is 106-104, with the Knicks leading by two points.
There are 41 seconds left on the clock.
The Thunder are on offense.
Li Feng finds himself facing Durant once again.
He knows that the Thunder's strategy in crucial moments revolves around a two-man game between Durant and Westbrook.
Westbrook can be handled by Lowry.
Durant receives the ball, intending to use his height for a pull-up jumper.
However, Li Feng continues to stay tight on Durant's lower body, preventing him from getting a comfortable jump.
Frustrated, Durant's eyes dart around, and he suddenly swings his arm, attempting to draw a foul with a large, looping motion.
This is Durant's "secret weapon"; when tightly defended, he resorts to this move to draw fouls.
Unfortunately for Durant, Li Feng knows him inside and out.
The moment Durant's eyes began to scan for an opportunity, Li Feng had already anticipated his move.
So, as Durant swung his arm, Li Feng explosively jumped backward, evading the contact.
Durant's swing misses Li Feng's arm, causing him to lose his balance and nearly fall.
With quick reflexes, Li Feng closes in and steals the ball.
A clean steal!
With the ball in hand, Li Feng initiates a fast break.
Enraged, Durant lunges forward and grabs Li Feng's leg.
Li Feng tumbles to the ground, and the referee's whistle blows.
This is no ordinary foul; according to the rules, it's a Flagrant 1 foul.
The Knicks are awarded two free throws and possession of the ball, plus a technical free throw.
Durant's foul was foolish, but it also highlighted a critical point: Li Feng's defense was so stifling that it pushed Durant to desperation.
Li Feng first sinks the technical free throw, then makes both of his foul shots. The Knicks retain possession for an inbound pass from the baseline.
This sequence extends the Knicks' lead to five points, with them also retaining possession.
Thunder head coach Brooks recognizes the insurmountable deficit and sighs, no longer shouting instructions.
In the remaining 17 seconds, the Knicks make a few more free throws, successfully running out the clock.
Ultimately, the Knicks defeat the Thunder at home with a score of 114-107, maintaining their undefeated streak.
The Thunder's four-game winning streak is thus halted by the Knicks.
After the game, Durant approaches Li Feng and offers a congratulatory hug.
"Li Feng, your defense is incredible, I'm truly impressed," Durant says, exhibiting his honest and humble nature, devoid of any stubbornness or arrogance.
Li Feng hugs Durant and replies, "You're too modest. You'll continue to improve in the future. Keep pushing!"
This is also a genuine sentiment; Durant at this stage is still inconsistent, and his shot selection is often questionable.
In two years, Durant will enter the realm of "The Reaper," becoming truly unstoppable!
Westbrook does not approach Li Feng to exchange greetings, perhaps because Li Feng's lockdown defense made his game extremely difficult.
Harden, however, chats with Li Feng for a considerable time and even suggests they go to a nightclub together.
Li Feng is not rigid and, being in the same rookie class as Harden, shares a close relationship with him.
Harden played 26 minutes today, scoring 22 points with high efficiency.
At this point, Harden has yet to realize how formidable he will become in the future.
His mind is solely focused on staying with the Thunder and building a dynasty with his "big brothers."
...
Li Feng, accompanied by Lowry and Harden, is about to head out to a New York nightclub when his phone rings.
He checks his phone to see an incoming call from Jenner.
Li Feng smiles, wondering if Jenner has come to New York again.
"Li Feng, where are you?"
"I'm just heading out to a nightclub."
"A nightclub? I want to go too!"
Li Feng doesn't immediately agree. Harden, standing nearby, asks curiously, "Li Feng, is there a girl involved? Let's all go!"
"Yes..." Li Feng relents, "Jenner, we're at the stadium entrance right now, about to leave. Are you coming over?"
"Okay, I'll be there soon!"
Soon after, Jenner arrives at the stadium entrance in her red sports car.
Harden's eyes light up; he hasn't seen such a beautiful and youthful girl since entering the NBA.
Harden leans in and whispers to Li Feng, "Who is that? Is she your girlfriend?"
"No, she's a good friend of mine, Jenner. She's from the Kardashian family."
Harden's eyes gleam with envy.
At this time, Harden is still a minor player, unable to interact with such socialites, while Li Feng is already a top superstar in the league.
Jenner steps out of her car and walks towards the trio.
"Hi, Lowry, Harden, nice to meet you!" Jenner greets them both confidently before naturally leaning against Li Feng.
This subtle gesture further fuels Harden's envy.
"You... hello, Jenner!" Harden stutters slightly, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
Lowry is even more bashful, merely nodding without saying a word.
The four drive to a nearby nightclub and immerse themselves in the youthful exuberance.
Li Feng rarely frequents such places, but he doesn't refuse when his friends invite him.
Harden is indeed a seasoned club-goer and thrives in the nightclub atmosphere. Soon, two curvaceous beauties are by his side.
Lowry is more reserved, opting to sit in a corner, sipping his drink and observing others.
He came along simply because of Li Feng.
Lowry considers Li Feng an idol and an older brother, even though he is two years Li Feng's senior.
Admittedly, Harden possesses incredible stamina; even after a game, he's energetically enjoying himself at the club.
Li Feng, on the other hand, is primarily there to accompany Harden. Feeling somewhat fatigued, he sits aside and chats with Jenner.
An hour later, Harden, with two young women by his side, prepares to leave.
Li Feng understands that Harden, having warmed up, is ready for the real "action."
As Li Feng also wishes to rest, everyone decides to depart.
Leaving the nightclub, Jenner seems slightly tipsy and doesn't drive herself. She gets into Li Feng's car.
"Jenner, which hotel are you staying at? I'll give you a ride."
Since Li Feng hasn't been drinking, he serves as Jenner's chauffeur.
Jenner closes her eyes and softly asks in a languid voice, "Li Feng, can you stay with me tonight?"
Over the past few months, Jenner has been subtly hinting at her interest, but Li Feng has only considered her a good friend.
He has no real interest in someone like Jenner, whom he perceives as a "collector."
"I'll take you to your hotel, and I'll leave after you've fallen asleep, okay?"
Jenner's eyes widen in surprise and delight, mistaking Li Feng's offer for something more.
"Okay, you have to stay until I've fallen asleep before you leave!"
Li Feng drives Jenner to her hotel room, intending to leave once she's in bed.
As Li Feng sits on the sofa and turns on the television, Jenner walks up to him wearing a short, pink bathrobe tied at the waist, revealing a considerable amount of skin that nearly blinds Li Feng.
"Ahem..." Li Feng coughs and quickly averts his gaze back to the TV. "Jenner, are you going to take a shower?"
"Yes, are you?" Jenner asks with a teasing tone.
"You go ahead. I'll shower when I get back," Li Feng politely declines.
Jenner sighs, clearly disappointed, and saunters towards the bathroom, her hips swaying.
Li Feng lets out a sigh of relief. He admits that at the moment Jenner appeared, he felt a flicker of temptation.
Jenner's striking beauty and youthful, smooth skin are undoubtedly attractive to any man.
After her shower, Jenner doesn't immediately return to the bedroom. Instead, she gracefully walks over and sits beside Li Feng.
"Li Feng, you really have no interest in me?" Jenner asks softly.
Li Feng deliberately places his arm casually around Jenner's shoulders and says, "What are you talking about? We're good friends!"
"Just good friends?"
"Yes, I don't want to ruin our friendship. But if you like someone, I can introduce you."
Jenner's expression shifts; she feels a sense of failure.
Li Feng is the first man she's truly fallen for, yet he insists on treating her as just a casual acquaintance.
With countless admirers, Jenner cannot comprehend why Li Feng would behave this way towards her.
Jenner swats Li Feng's hand away and huffily walks towards the bedroom, saying as she goes, "I'm going to sleep. You can leave."
Li Feng offers an awkward smile. "I'll wait until you're asleep before I leave."
"Suit yourself!" Jenner enters the bedroom but leaves the door ajar.
Li Feng watches television for a while, feeling bored, and then stands up to turn it off.
"Jenner, I'm leaving now. Get some rest, and we'll talk on the phone!" He knows that at this point, anything he says is futile, and Jenner is likely filled with resentment.
Jenner doesn't respond but slams the bedroom door shut with a loud bang.
...
The Knicks' next game is an away match against the Celtics.
Having aged another year, the Celtics' Big Three appear to have fallen out of contention for the championship.
However, it is undeniable that with these three veterans on the court, along with the burgeoning talent of Rondo, the Celtics remain a formidable opponent.
Even in defeat, the Celtics are capable of giving their opponents a significant challenge.
In the new season, the Celtics have a respectable record of three wins and two losses.
Facing the defending champions, the Knicks, on their home court presents an opportunity for the Celtics to boost their morale.
During a pre-game interview, reporters notice that Garnett's beard has begun to show streaks of gray.
"Mr. Garnett, the Celtics haven't made significant roster changes this season. Do you believe you still have a championship-contending team?"
Garnett is well aware that the league is now dominated by younger talent, and winning one championship with the Big Three has already been a remarkable feat.
However, in competitive sports, the spirit of never giving up persists. As long as they are in the league, their sole objective is to contend for the championship.
Thus, Garnett confidently declares, "We will learn from our experiences this season, deliver an exceptional performance, and fight our way out of the East to reach the NBA Finals!"
A reporter, somewhat skeptical, asks, "Can you defeat the Miami Heat's Big Three, or the defending champion Knicks?"
Garnett shrugs his shoulders and replies, "Of course. We don't fear any opponent. After all, we are a championship-winning team."
"But your championship was won over two years ago."
"So what? We are even stronger now!"
Despite Garnett's defiant words, the reporters can clearly see that he is merely posturing.
At 7:30 PM, the Boston TD Garden is abuzz with anticipation as the Celtics host the defending champion Knicks.
The Celtics' starting lineup consists of Garnett, Pierce, Ray Allen, Rondo, and Shaquille O'Neal.
During the offseason, the Celtics traded Perkins to the Thunder and signed O'Neal.
This move signifies the Celtics' continued pursuit of a championship.
However, O'Neal's performance with the Cavaliers last season was mediocre, failing to help LeBron James and the Cavaliers advance out of the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks' starting five remains unchanged: Li Feng, Yao Ming, Amar'e Stoudemire, Luis Scola, and Rajon Rondo.
At the center court tip-off, Yao Ming secures the first possession for the Knicks.
Yao Ming and O'Neal are old rivals, and they shared a lengthy conversation before the game.
O'Neal's vertical leap is not what it used to be, while Yao Ming, having reduced his weight, appears to have returned to his peak form.
Li Feng brings the ball across half-court, and Rondo and Ray Allen immediately double-team him.
Lowry motions for the ball, and Li Feng passes it to him.
Since Lowry was promoted to the starting lineup, Li Feng has been double-teamed less frequently, as Lowry consistently punishes opponents with his playmaking, acting as another offensive catalyst.
Lowry, with no defender in front of him, drives into the paint. Garnett comes over to provide help defense.
Stoudemire seizes the opportunity and cuts to the edge of the paint. Lowry threads a pass to him.
Stoudemire receives the ball and hammers it home with a powerful dunk. Bang!
Garnett shakes his head in frustration, realizing that Lowry's drive-and-kick game is virtually identical to Li Feng's.
This is understandable, as Lowry trains with Li Feng daily and emulates his every move.
The Knicks score first, taking a 2-0 lead!
The Celtics are on offense. Rondo passes the ball to Pierce.
Pierce has an advantage against Scola. With a shoulder fake, he creates half a step of separation and then pulls up for a contested three-pointer.
Despite Scola's tenacious effort to recover, Pierce's rhythm is impeccable, and he easily drains the shot!
It's 3-2!
The Celtics take the lead.
The home crowd at the Garden erupts in cheers. They desperately want to defeat the Knicks. With the Big Three still relatively young, securing another championship would be a dream come true for the fans.
Pierce is also elated and shouts at Scola, "You can't guard me!"
Scola, possessing excellent mental fortitude, ignores him and maintains a stoic expression.
Li Feng's brow furrows. He shares a good rapport with Scola and feels compelled to stand up for him.
On the next possession, the Knicks are on offense.
Li Feng, facing a double-team, calls for a double screen and drives into the paint. Garnett converges to provide help defense.
Garnett acts as the Celtics' "firefighter," always appearing in front of the offensive player near the basket.
Li Feng signals to Scola, who understands immediately. Scola draws Pierce towards him, effectively screening Garnett.
The Celtics switch on defense, and Pierce finds himself guarding Li Feng.
Li Feng smirks and says, "You can't guard me. I'm going to take you one-on-one!"
Pierce, emboldened by his recent basket, retorts, "Dream on!"
Leveraging his height and long arms, he leans almost entirely onto Li Feng.
Unexpectedly, Li Feng suddenly accelerates, driving to his right. Pierce quickly adjusts his feet to pursue.