However, the post-game media did not hype this game.
Some media outlets even criticized the Knicks for winning unfairly, employing the rarely seen "Hack-a-Shaq tactic."
James, in his post-game interview, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the loss.
As both the Cavaliers and the Knicks are in the Eastern Conference, they will play four games against each other in a season, and their future matchups promise to be a feast for fans!
The Knicks' subsequent games were not particularly challenging, with opponents including the Pacers, Wizards, Rockets, Kings, and Thunder.
In these five games, the Knicks achieved a record of four wins and one loss.
The single loss came against the Thunder's "Big Three."
In the Summer League, Li Feng led his team to victory against a Thunder team without Durant.
This time, Durant was in divine form, playing exceptionally well.
He shot 16-of-21 from the field, scoring 42 points with remarkable efficiency.
Although Li Feng also played well, scoring 45 points, he was unable to overcome the combined force of Westbrook, Ibaka, and Harden, who all delivered strong performances.
Ultimately, the Knicks lost to the Thunder by 13 points on the road.
After this game, the media began to recognize the overall strength of the Knicks' roster.
Some reporters started to speak up for Li Feng, suggesting that the other players on the Knicks were too weak and that the team should be reinforced quickly.
Li Feng, of course, understood that even with good team chemistry, this team could not win a championship.
Talent was a limiting factor, and some things could not be achieved through effort alone.
However, Li Feng did not pressure the management; it was not his style. As a rookie, he could only focus on improving himself.
Furthermore, the relationship between Yao Ming and the Rockets remained uncertain, with no definitive news of his departure.
Yao Ming's professionalism was commendable; despite frequent rumors, he continued to play diligently for the Rockets.
Li Feng and Yao Ming often spoke on the phone, but the prospect of them teaming up was not brought up again.
In a commercial league, some matters are not so simple and depend on fate.
In these few days, Red Star Sports launched Li Feng's first signature shoe.
Generally, star players only get signature shoes after achieving significant honors.
However, Li Feng's performance since the start of the season had already captivated a vast number of fans. Since they learned of Li Feng's endorsement deal with Red Star Sports, they had been eager to purchase his signature shoes.
Deng Huasheng placed great importance on this shoe, hiring a design team at a high salary to combine with Li Feng's ideas.
Li Feng was very cautious about his first endorsement product.
When Deng Huasheng sought his opinion, Li Feng clearly stated that the shoe must have its own unique Chinese traditional characteristics and absolutely should not copy the styles of other sports brands.
The Red Star Sports design team worked tirelessly, researching for countless nights, and finally developed a shoe with a strong Chinese character.
The shoe was primarily black and red, with a streamlined design, and featured subtle dragon patterns as its dark texture.
When the design team presented the final sample for Li Feng's review, Li Feng was pleasantly surprised!
This was the best basketball shoe in his mind!
In addition, the shoe incorporated many technological advancements, such as eliminating foot odor, enhancing jumping ability, and providing moderate cushioning and support, making them comfortable to wear.
Deng Huasheng and the design team had poured countless hours of effort into its creation.
However, a slight disagreement arose between Li Feng and Deng Huasheng during the pricing discussions.
Li Feng's idea was to have different prices for domestic and international markets, with higher prices abroad and lower prices domestically.
He also suggested making slight differences in the styles.
The reasoning behind this was to earn money from foreigners, considering that developed countries have higher living standards and currency exchange rate differences.
However, Deng Huasheng, being new to the international market, was hesitant, fearing backlash from foreigners.
Li Feng spent a lot of time persuading Deng Huasheng, explaining that China was the core market for Red Star Sports, and that they should maximize earnings from foreigners.
Seeing Li Feng's confidence, Deng Huasheng made a decisive move and launched two styles of signature shoes.
The overseas version and the domestic version had only slight color variations, but their prices differed by half.
The domestic price was over five hundred RMB, while the overseas version cost over two hundred US dollars.
Concurrently, Li Feng also filmed a promotional advertisement.
In the advertisement, Li Feng's fresh and natural performance, coupled with his handsome and youthful appearance, once again established him as a superstar among young people!
On the first day of its release, the signature shoe sold out in the Americas.
Of course, while the good sales of the shoes were a factor, Li Feng and Deng Huasheng also implemented a scarcity marketing strategy.
Specifically, the overseas version of the signature shoe was limited to a release of only 100,000 pairs, with the remaining stock kept in storage.
The scarcity marketing approach resulted in the signature shoe becoming a collectible item for many fans, its value steadily increasing.
This was something Li Feng and Deng Huasheng had not anticipated.
...
The Knicks' next game was a home game against the Golden State Warriors from the Western Conference.
This was the first regular-season matchup between the "Splash Brothers," Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, since their days at Davidson College.
In contrast to Li Feng's soaring success, Curry's situation was quite challenging.
Monta Ellis was the Warriors' primary perimeter star, leaving Curry in an awkward position.
His role was mainly that of a three-point shooter.
Coach Don Nelson had always been impressed by Li Feng and felt that Curry was too slender. While his three-point shooting was excellent, it wasn't enough to change the game.
Li Feng had long heard about Curry's struggles and often spoke out in his defense in the media.
He had repeatedly told reporters that Curry would undoubtedly become a superstar in the future and that those who underestimated him would be proven wrong.
However, the media and reporters did not place much importance on Li Feng's words, as they were aware of the very good relationship between Li Feng and Curry.
Therefore, they believed Li Feng was merely being loyal, and that Curry, at that moment, was far behind Li Feng.
During this home game against the Warriors, Li Feng and Curry met privately beforehand.
Li Feng and Curry had dinner together in a private room at a Chinese restaurant in New York.
Although Curry appeared happy to see Li Feng, Li Feng could still detect a hint of melancholy in his expression.
"Stephen, how's life with the Warriors?"
Curry forced a smile and replied, "It's okay. The Warriors' record is average. I feel like it wasn't as fun playing as it was when we were in college."
Li Feng fully understood Curry's predicament, but at this moment, Curry was in a phase of dormancy.
"Don't worry, Stephen, you'll shine brightly, believe me!" Li Feng said, patting Curry's shoulder and encouraging him earnestly.
Curry found Li Feng's gaze to be too resolute, as if he could see through everything, which he found quite astonishing.
After all, Curry himself lacked confidence at the moment. In a game the previous week, his ankle had become slightly swollen and red, causing him to miss three games.
For this away game, the coaching staff had initially planned to keep Curry from playing. However, Curry insisted on coming to New York, primarily to meet with Li Feng.
The coaching staff reluctantly agreed, but only allowed Curry to play for 20 minutes.
"Sigh, I really envy you. You're already the hottest star in the league. If the Knicks make the playoffs this season, you'll surely perform even better!"
Curry knew Li Feng very well and understood Li Feng's strong mental fortitude.
Li Feng was the type of player who became more focused and performed better in more important games.
This trait was somewhat similar to Jordan's, where his Finals statistics surpassed his playoff statistics, which in turn surpassed his regular-season statistics.
"Don't say that, Stephen. You know, you've actually had the biggest impact on me. My current achievements are largely thanks to you!"
Curry was taken aback, not understanding what Li Feng meant.
During their college days, they grew together, and Curry had indeed emerged earlier than Li Feng.
However, Li Feng's progress later was astonishing, surprising everyone, including Curry.
In Curry's view, besides his accurate three-point shooting, which was somewhat similar to his own, Li Feng surpassed him in all other aspects.
"Li Feng, you don't need to comfort me like this. We... are different. Your defense, your playmaking, your passing, all of it is better than mine."
"No, in fact, all these skills of mine are based on my three-point shooting. If it weren't for your three-point shooting guiding me, I wouldn't have achieved such comprehensive success. I am your future!"
Curry smiled and shook his head, believing Li Feng was just trying to console him.
After a few more casual remarks, Li Feng personally drove Curry back to his hotel after their meal.
The following afternoon, at the pre-game press conference, Li Feng and Coach D'Antoni spoke with the media.
A reporter asked, "Coach D'Antoni, do you see any differences in the playing styles of Li Feng and Curry?"
D'Antoni, being experienced, avoided giving the reporters any ammunition.
While he inwardly believed Li Feng to be the superior player, he spoke politely.
"Stephen and Li Feng are from the same university, possess high tactical awareness, and are both accurate three-point shooters. I believe they are both excellent players!"
Seeing Coach D'Antoni's diplomatic response, the reporter turned to Li Feng.
"Mr. Li Feng, you and Curry are called the 'Splash Brothers.' However, Curry's performance on the Warriors is clearly not as good as yours. Can you explain why?"
Li Feng's expression darkened slightly, and he said calmly, "Stephen has immense potential, and the Warriors haven't fully tapped into all of it. It's just a matter of time."
The reporter pressed further, "Is it because you two are good friends that you are so supportive of him? In fact, he frequently suffers ankle injuries and might become a 'glass player' in the future."
Li Feng suddenly slammed the table, startling the reporters and even surprising D'Antoni.
"Curry is not a glass player! As long as he finds the right way to exert his force, he will shock everyone!"
Seeing Li Feng's strong endorsement of Curry and his refusal to tolerate any negative comments about him, the reporters dared not ask any more questions.
...
At 7:30 PM, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Knicks hosted the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors had a record of 9 wins and 11 losses since the start of the season, placing them 11th in the Western Conference, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Consequently, a somber atmosphere permeated the entire team.
The Warriors' starting lineup consisted of Monta Ellis, Curry, Maggette, Tolliver, Andris, and Jackson.
The Knicks' lineup remained Li Feng, David Lee, Gallinari, Duhon, and Jeffries.
At the start of the first quarter, Li Feng used a screen to sink a deep three-pointer!
The home crowd erupted in cheers. What they most looked forward to in every game was Li Feng's long-range threes, as well as his dunks over opposing centers!
Following Li Feng's usual habit, he would typically focus on playmaking first, passing more to let his teammates shoot.
However, to engage Curry in a scoring duel, he decided to shoot first.
As Li Feng waited for Curry to also attempt a long-range three, Curry did not shoot.
In the Warriors' first offensive possession, Monta Ellis took the shot, and Curry didn't even touch the ball, merely standing on the baseline to stretch the floor for his teammates.
Watching Curry's dejected figure, Li Feng felt a pang of sympathy.
Ellis drove to the paint, attempting his signature pull-up jumper.
However, Li Feng rotated to defend effectively, jumping high and swatting Ellis's shot from the side.
After the block, the Knicks quickly initiated a fast break!
Ellis, after being blocked, was enraged. He had come into this game with great intensity, intending to challenge Li Feng.
Li Feng had become a target for all point guards, and he was accustomed to being targeted in every game.
Ellis chased Li Feng closely from behind, intending to retaliate for the earlier block!
If Li Feng were to accelerate at full speed, Ellis would not be able to catch up.
However, Li Feng, catching a glimpse of Ellis pursuing him, decided to teach him a lesson.
So, Li Feng deliberately slowed down slightly and, after crossing the three-point line in the frontcourt, suddenly initiated a three-step layup.
Ellis followed Li Feng's rhythm, taking long strides and extending his right hand to attempt a block.
It had to be said that Ellis possessed top-tier athleticism among guards, with incredible jumping ability.
Driving and dunking was also one of Ellis's specialties, often eliciting cheers from the entire arena.
Unfortunately for him, he encountered the even more extraordinarily talented Li Feng today.
Li Feng took three steps and leaped, rising like a helicopter. Ellis realized that his height was no match for Li Feng's.
However, he had already jumped and couldn't give up, so he could only extend his hand as much as possible to swat.
*Bang!*
Li Feng completed the thunderous dunk and, at the same time, Ellis's hand struck Li Feng's arm.
*Beep!*
The referee's whistle blew, resulting in a three-point play (and-one)!
After landing, Ellis walked away with his head down, knowing he had fallen into a trap and that it was quite embarrassing.
Curry watched from behind, understanding that Li Feng was standing up for him.
However, since he was Ellis's teammate, Curry still ran over and high-fived Ellis, offering encouragement.
Li Feng stood at the free-throw line and made the additional free throw.
6-0!
The Knicks started the game with a dream opening, spearheaded by Li Feng.
Coach Nelson shook his head in despair; he truly admired Li Feng, but there was nothing he could do.
"Double-team him! Don't let him get any shots off!"
He could only rage ineffectively from the sideline.
The Warriors began to double-team Li Feng, who immediately switched to assist mode.
Although the Knicks players couldn't compare to those on stronger teams, they held their own against the Warriors.
They converted most of Li Feng's passes into assists.
The Warriors only managed to score through Curry's three-point shots.
Coach Nelson, watching from the sideline, realized that Li Feng was intentionally helping Curry.
The Knicks' strategy was to decisively prevent Ellis from scoring, while defending Curry with a single defender.
"What's the meaning of this? Is Curry going to be the primary scorer today?"