The live broadcast booth of China Sports Channel featured commentators Yu Jia and Coach Zhang.
In their pre-game analysis, Coach Zhang had favored the Knicks, while Yu Jia believed the Heat's Big Three would leverage their home-court advantage to gain the upper hand.
The first half ended, seemingly validating Yu Jia's prediction.
"Coach Zhang, what adjustments do the Knicks need to make in the second half to defeat the Heat?"
Although Yu Jia leaned towards the Heat, the Knicks were the home team for Chinese fans, so he still offered support.
Coach Zhang, a staunch fan of Yao Ming and Li Feng, had to acknowledge the undeniable might of the Heat's Big Three, predicting they would create a massive wave in the Eastern Conference this season.
"For the Knicks to win, Li Feng and Yao Ming must perform exceptionally. Neither can be without the other."
"Why do you say that?" Yu Jia pressed for a more detailed explanation.
"It's like this: the Heat's Big Three are an all-time great combination. Their help defense is quick, and their mobility is high. While the Knicks' Yao Ming is a strong matchup for the Heat in the paint, Yao alone isn't enough. Li Feng, Lowry, and the Zhan-Wade duo need to match up effectively."
Yu Jia nodded repeatedly, finding Coach Zhang's analysis sound.
"But I feel like the Heat are playing more comfortably, while the Knicks seem to be struggling," Yu Jia voiced his observation.
Coach Zhang agreed, "Indeed. As we've mentioned before, apart from Li Feng and Yao Ming, the other Knicks players don't possess championship-caliber ability. Therefore, facing a super team like the Heat's Big Three, Li Feng and Yao Ming absolutely need to exceed expectations."
Fans also chimed in with text messages to CCTV, with most agreeing that the Heat's Big Three had superior overall strength.
...
The second half of the game commenced.
Li Feng and Yao Ming had a lengthy discussion in the locker room, their thoughts aligning with Coach Zhang's analysis: they had to persevere.
When the team faced adversity, the two leading stars had to step up.
The Heat initiated the offense, with James passing the ball to Bosh.
Perhaps emboldened by their first-half success, Bosh became a little complacent, attempting a layup against Yao Ming.
The result...
*Wham!*
Yao Ming delivered a signature "Yao Block"!
The ball deflected towards Scola, who tipped it to Li Feng.
Wade and James simultaneously surged forward to close out on Li Feng.
If it were earlier, Li Feng might have considered passing.
However, facing the combined defensive pressure of James and Wade, scoring was nearly impossible.
So, Li Feng gritted his teeth, deciding to take on James and Wade himself.
*Whoosh!*
Li Feng accelerated again, crossing half-court. James and Wade converged on him from either side, trapping him in the middle, ready to penalize him as he attempted his layup.
Wade initially intended to steal the ball, but Li Feng's dribbling and ball-handling were too solid; Wade's two attempts failed to dislodge it.
Li Feng, in his rapid sprint, gauged the positions of James and Wade.
As he entered the three-point line, Li Feng suddenly glanced at the basket and made a motion to gather the ball.
Wade, mistaking this for an impending shot, leaped up like a spring, aiming to block it.
Unexpectedly, Li Feng suddenly bent his body, accelerating forward, leaving Wade behind!
At this point, only James remained alongside Li Feng.
James, aware of Li Feng's penchant for trick plays, was prepared. His plan: no matter what Li Feng did, he would be waiting in the air for his layup!
Fans familiar with James knew his chase-down blocks were exceptional, and countless fast-break specialists had met their end under his pursuit!
Li Feng was also aware of this, but he already had a counter-strategy in mind.
The moment Li Feng's left foot touched the free-throw line, he abruptly pulled the ball in and soared into the air!
James let out a cold laugh: "Just what I was waiting for!"
With that, James stomped his feet and followed Li Feng's leap.
It was important to remember that James possessed a height and wingspan advantage over Li Feng. Once in the air, "King James" would dictate the outcome!
The home crowd in Miami erupted, having witnessed many of James's chase-down blocks. But today was different; his opponent was Li Feng!
The league's hottest star, fresh off a championship, and also...
This was the most disheveled game for James since joining the Heat!
The Knicks continued to widen the score gap.
Coach Spoelstra, with no other option, substituted Wade and Bosh back into the game for a final push.
James's stamina was incredible. He played almost the entire third quarter and hadn't rested for a single minute in the fourth.
Coach D'Antoni didn't dare to be complacent and immediately brought in Li Feng, Lowry, Yao Ming, and other key players.
The spectators were visibly tense; the Heat hadn't trailed in the fourth quarter for a long time.
Furthermore, they were in such a passive position on the court.
After Li Feng entered the game, he orchestrated a play with Yao Ming, resulting in a "2+1" for Yao!
Then, Li Feng and Lowry executed a sudden double-team, stealing the ball from Wade and launching a fast break!
Despite being on the road, the Knicks had completely taken control and were growing stronger with every play.
James and Wade began to panic, realizing their strategies seemed to be completely seen through.
Every time they initiated a play, the Knicks would thwart it.
Even when James or Wade managed to drive to the paint, Yao Ming ruthlessly disrupted their attempts!
Seeing the deficit expand to 10 points with only 5 minutes remaining, Spoelstra called for another timeout.
Although Li Feng and Yao Ming had enjoyed their recent play, their stamina had also been heavily taxed due to the vast court coverage of James and Wade.
They were everywhere, and Li Feng had to constantly chase them across the entire court, without a moment's slack.
During the timeout, Spoelstra suddenly unveiled a surprise tactic.
He actually benched James, bringing in Wade, Chalmers, and Mike Miller.
When the timeout ended, Li Feng was stunned.
He hadn't expected Spoelstra to have such boldness, daring to bench James.
Spoelstra's move was strategic because the Knicks' pre-game defensive focus had been entirely on James.
Most of the Heat's offensive plays were initiated by James, which the Knicks had effectively contained.
With James suddenly out of the game, the Knicks found themselves somewhat disoriented, lacking a clear defensive focal point.
Over the next two minutes, the Heat suddenly went on a small scoring run.
Chalmers and Mike Miller found their rhythm, hitting consecutive three-pointers.
In the blink of an eye, they had narrowed the score to just one point.
97:96, with the Knicks holding a temporary lead.
There were 2 minutes and 28 seconds left on the clock.
D'Antoni was forced to call a timeout to break the Heat's momentum.
The Heat's home fans were ecstatic, finally seeing a glimmer of hope for a comeback.
Although James sat on the sidelines, looking somewhat awkward, victory belonged to the entire team, and James's importance was undeniable.
However, mid-game adjustments had to be unexpected, and Spoelstra certainly had some tricks up his sleeve.
Li Feng walked off the court with a wry smile. He and Lowry had indeed been a bit careless.
After James left the court, Li Feng and Lowry shifted their defensive focus to Wade. Wade, in turn, continuously shared the ball, allowing Chalmers and Mike Miller to take numerous shots.
As a result, the Heat's perimeter offense suddenly exploded.
D'Antoni yelled, "Don't leave anyone open! Don't leave anyone open! What are you guys doing?"
Li Feng raised his hand, signaling that it was his fault.
"Coach, our defensive assignments were misplaced. We'll pay attention next time."
The timeout concluded, and both teams' players returned to the court, with James still resting on the bench.
The Heat fans at the American Airlines Arena cheered wildly, attempting to intimidate the Knicks with sheer volume.
However, having experienced the NBA Finals, the Knicks had already transcended such pressure.
As long as Li Feng didn't falter, the other players were filled with confidence!
The game resumed, with Li Feng, Lowry, and Scola initiating man-to-man defense.
Lowry guarded Wade, while Li Feng personally shadowed the red-hot Mike Miller, and Scola defended Chalmers.
With the adjusted defensive strategy, the Heat's two key shooters immediately went cold.
However, Wade suddenly ignited, displaying his superstar prowess against Lowry.
For every two shots Li Feng made against Chalmers, Wade answered with two against Lowry.
The score remained close, with neither team able to pull away.
With 56 seconds left in the game, the teams were once again tied! 107:107!
Spoelstra quickly called a timeout, knowing it was time for James to return. His tactical gamble had largely succeeded, at the very least tying the game.
D'Antoni was infuriated. They had held a 10-point lead moments ago, only to see it evaporate instantly.
The Heat's depth was truly impressive.
After the timeout, James re-entered the game.
The Heat's offensive strategy shifted, with James no longer initiating plays but instead acting as a facilitator for Wade.
Wade, a championship winner, never shied away in crucial moments!
Lowry, defending Wade, was again beaten by Wade's mid-range jumper.
109:107!
The Heat regained the lead with only 37 seconds remaining!
Theoretically, both teams had one more offensive opportunity, with the Knicks in possession.
D'Antoni didn't call a timeout; he simply made a gesture, signaling his teammates to give the ball to Li Feng!
In the critical moments of major games, it all came down to the caliber of superstars.
Li Feng handled the ball in the backcourt, with Wade pressing him closely, and James waiting near the half-court line.
Lowry came to receive the pass from Li Feng, and Li Feng threw the ball to Lowry before sprinting towards the corner.
The Heat were unsure of Li Feng's intentions. Wade and James trapped Li Feng in the corner.
Chalmers was guarding Lowry.
Chalmers possessed great speed, rivaling Lowry's, but clearly lacked strength.
After a change of direction, Lowry drove past Chalmers into the paint.
Bosh immediately came to help defend, and Lowry attempted to pass to Stoudemire.
However, Bosh's long arms reached out and knocked the ball away.
Stoudemire scrambled to recover it.
At that moment, Li Feng suddenly burst out from between James and Wade.
His speed was so exceptional that James and Wade couldn't react.
Li Feng drove towards Bosh, batted the ball back to Lowry, and shouted, "Got it!"
Lowry quickly secured the ball.
This possession was crucial; losing it would essentially end the game.