NBA : Formidable Center

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Two days after the opening game, the New York Knicks began to take shape. Their offseason trades had started to integrate, and they were ready to face their first preseason opponent at the Rose Garden Arena—the **Indiana Pacers**.

The Pacers, led by their star player **Jermaine O'Neal**, known as "Little O'Neal," were a formidable opponent. While Jermaine didn't dominate the paint like Shaquille O'Neal, he was still a powerful presence under the rim, averaging a solid 20+ points and 10 rebounds per game last season. His occasional three-point attempts also hinted at his evolving skill set, making him a well-rounded threat.

For Pacers fans, Jermaine was seen as a potential successor to Shaq's reign of dominance in the league.

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#### The Starting Lineups:

**New York Knicks**:

- Steve Nash

- Allan Houston

- Tim Thomas

- Kurt Thomas

- Wang Song

**Indiana Pacers**:

- Jermaine O'Neal

- Jeff Foster (forming the Pacers' twin towers)

- Ron Artest (later known as Metta World Peace)

- Reggie Miller (elite sharpshooter)

- Jamaal Tinsley

The Knicks' fans were unusually subdued, overwhelmed by the Pacers' imposing lineup.

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#### Tip-off:

Wang Song squared off against Jermaine O'Neal for the opening jump ball. Having replaced Dikembe Mutombo in the starting lineup, Wang Song knew the coaching staff trusted him. Determined to deliver, he treated the matchup with the ferocity of a lion attacking its prey.

The tip-off was quick. Jermaine timed his jump perfectly and was poised to win, but Wang Song's explosive leap and faster reaction allowed him to snatch the ball away.

"Jermaine O'Neal had the edge... but Wang Song's speed and height gave him the opening possession!" the ESPN commentator shouted.

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#### Early Tactics:

The Pacers' new head coach, **Rick Carlisle**, had meticulously prepared their defense. His strategy was clear: stop the Knicks' transition game and force them into half-court sets.

The Knicks attempted a fast break centered around Wang Song, but the Pacers' quick defensive rotation stifled their momentum. However, the Knicks' new quarterback, **Steve Nash**, demonstrated why he was invaluable. Moving off the ball, Nash utilized screens to position himself at the right arc.

With a no-look pass that faked out the defense, Nash found Allan Houston on the baseline for a wide-open three-pointer.

**Swish!**

3-0 Knicks!

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"Wow! Nash is fitting in seamlessly with the Knicks. I always thought he was just a system player," remarked commentator Charles Barkley.

His co-commentator, Kenny Smith, nodded. "Many doubted Nash before this trade. They said his stats were inflated by Dallas' system, but that assist just silenced the critics."

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#### Pacers Respond:

Reggie Miller, the Pacers' seasoned sniper, answered immediately. Running off screens, he drained a contested three-pointer over Nash to tie the game, 3-3.

The Knicks wasted no time. Off a quick inbound, Nash directed traffic with pinpoint precision. Despite the Pacers' intense man-to-man defense, Nash orchestrated a play that freed Wang Song in the low post.

Wang Song took center stage, posting up against Jermaine O'Neal. The two engaged in a physical battle, their clashes echoing throughout the arena. With each dribble, Wang Song forced Jermaine closer to the basket.

Finally, using a spin move reminiscent of prime Olajuwon, Wang Song left Jermaine flat-footed and finished with a graceful finger roll.

**5-3 Knicks!**

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#### The Struggle in the Paint:

Jermaine O'Neal wasn't accustomed to being overpowered, but Wang Song's strength was exceptional. Despite his seemingly lean frame, Wang Song's physicality rivaled that of Shaquille O'Neal.

Jermaine adjusted his defense, ready to flop and draw an offensive foul the next time Wang Song attacked. However, Wang Song anticipated this tactic. On his next post-up, instead of relying solely on power, he spun away from contact, effortlessly scoring on a reverse layup.

Jermaine, caught off guard, flailed backward and collapsed theatrically, drawing sarcastic jeers from the Knicks' fans.

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#### Commentary:

Charles Barkley couldn't contain his excitement. "Did you see that? Wang Song just made Jermaine look like a rookie! This kid has power and finesse!"

Kenny Smith added, "This is what makes Wang Song special. He combines the brute strength of a center with the skill set of a forward. The Knicks might have found their franchise cornerstone."

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The game continued with both teams showcasing their strategies and star players. Nash's playmaking, Wang Song's dominance, and Carlisle's disciplined Pacers defense made for a thrilling preseason opener.

Wang Song's performance solidified his place as a rising star in the league. For the Knicks, the preseason had just begun, but their new-look roster was already giving fans a reason to dream big.

Check out my P@treon for advance chapter on [email protected]/Twilight_scribe1

*(Chapter End)*