NBA: The Basketball Miracle

On January 15, 1997, the Knicks challenged the Spurs back-to-back away from home.

Since David Robinson was ruled out for the season due to a back injury after playing just six games since the start of the season, the Spurs began to tank.

The Spurs changed their head coach midway through the season. Currently, under the leadership of rookie Popovich, the Spurs have a record of 9 wins and 25 losses, slightly inferior to the Celtics.

The intensity of the game needs to be further strengthened!

San Antonio fans also know the team's situation, so most of those who come to the Alamodome to watch the game only watch the opposing star.

Ewing performed poorly in the last game, and Jeff Van Gundy wanted to let the gorilla bully the weak player to find his feeling, but he almost lost in the first quarter.

At 20:15, the Knicks were only leading by 5 points.

Ewing made 0 of 6 shots, Alan Houston made 2 of 7 shots, and Lee kept passing the ball to the two of them, but they just couldn't make the shots.

Fortunately, the Spurs were destined to lose, and Jeff Van Gundy was not in a hurry and carried out the rotation step by step.

In the game against the Rockets, Lee scored a team-high 22 points. He was forced to change his playing style after starting, but the overall impact was not significant.

Although he is 19 years old physically, his mental age is twice as old. Lee is not a fresh faced boy after all. He plays the game steadily and aggressively, is good at seizing opportunities and is also very patient.

In the second quarter, both teams rotated their lineups. Lee, who was sitting on the bench, was wearing a blue training jacket and holding a tactical board, explaining the offensive routine to Alan Houston:

"Move laterally and quickly to the wing. If Charles's cover is not in place, you can break through. It doesn't matter if you can't make the shot, but you must shoot resolutely!"

The big man sets a screen in the elbow area, and the No. 2 player cuts horizontally to the wing from near the baseline and shoots quickly after receiving the ball.

This tactic is very simple, it is actually the "Iverson cut" that Larry Brown will often use in the future.

Lee drew a few evolving routines on the tactical board. Alan Hughes nodded thoughtfully, but Charles Oakley was a little confused:

"What the hell is this?"

The old man's expression has already explained some problems. Blocking is fine, but the subsequent operation depends on luck.

"When I successfully receive the ball on the wing, the opponent will usually block my right hand. The moment I cut in with the ball with my left hand, pay attention to movement. Once the opponent's defense shrinks, I will pass the ball immediately."

"Be ready to receive the ball and there will definitely be opportunities to score easily."

Lee reiterated the timing of passing the ball. This tactic actually suits him better. He specially prepared it for the next game against the Suns.

The coaching staff did not customize any tactics for him, so Lee had to add more roles to himself. If he wanted to score efficiently, he had to rely on the cooperation of his teammates.

As a cheater, Lee customized a development route for himself early on. In this era, "one star and four shoots" is a bit difficult, but "one star and four protections" is possible.

The director at the scene also noticed the interesting scene on the Knicks bench and frequently directed the camera to Lee. The home commentator also joked:

"It looks like the Knicks have already secured victory. Lee seems to have become the team's assistant coach. New York is really lucky to have selected him with the 18th pick!"

"But San Antonio fans don't have to worry, the Spurs are also on the right track!"

It was a game that was destined to be lost. The Spurs' acting was poor and they did not have any outstanding performance throughout the game.

The fans who bought tickets on site didn't care, and there was even a little cheering at the moment the game ended.

100:77, with the main lineup clocking in after three quarters, the Knicks easily defeated the Spurs.

Popovich took the initiative to greet Jeff Van Gundy after the game, and the two rookie coaches exchanged experiences with each other.

Patrick Ewing was in a bad mood. Playing back-to-back, he continued his touch from the previous game, making 5 of 14 shots and scoring 20 points from free throws.

David Robinson, dressed in formal attire, shook hands with every Knicks player with a polite smile, and finally encouraged Lee:

"You played well, Lee, remember to allocate your energy properly!"

Lee smiled and nodded, then was pulled away by Charles Oakley. The old man didn't like the admiral's behavior:

"You have to be unreserved in the game. If you're a wimp, don't even think about making it in the league!"

On January 18, the Knicks flew to Phoenix to challenge the Suns away.

After two days of rest, everyone took the opportunity to simply practice the new offensive routine.

The tactics are not difficult, the key is to give the ball to Lee.

The "good big brothers" are very particular.

They patted their chests and promised to fully support their younger brother. The price is that Lee will pay for the next visit to the Gold Club.

The Suns have only achieved a record of 13 wins and 25 losses this season.

Kevin Johnson, who once scored 20+10 for three consecutive seasons, teamed up with Barkley to fight against the Bulls, and contributed the famous dunk over Olajuwon, also began to feel alone. After all, basketball is played by five people.

Guards with explosive playing styles may end up getting injured. Kevin Johnson suffered injuries for two consecutive seasons. He returned from injury this season and is currently at the tail end of his peak.

New York reporters fanned the flames before the game, bringing up old issues and digging up the fact that the Suns had double standards in their tryout of Lee. Naturally, Phoenix tried to smooth things over.

No one expected that the young Lee would adapt to the NBA so quickly.

In the locker room interview before the game, facing the provocation of New York reporters, the hot-tempered Kevin Johnson showed the style of the future mayor of Sacramento:

"I think it was a misunderstanding. The Suns staff has always been very dedicated. Phoenix welcomes everyone."

"I love this city, I love the fans of Phoenix, and I will stay here!"

"."

Danny Ainge became the head coach of the Suns this season and did not make many adjustments to the starting lineup that night.

Kevin Johnson and Wesley Person partnered in the backcourt, with Cedric Ceballos and Lauren Mayer on the front line and Hot Rod Williams as the center.

After Barkley's support, Cedric became the Suns' second scoring point this season.

Of course, Lee doesn't have to worry about defending the forwards. In this game, he only needs to pay attention to fouls, as Kevin Johnson on the opposite side has a very strong impact.

After the home team's entrance ceremony, the atmosphere in the America West Airlines Arena became more and more heated.

Regardless of the results, local fans always supported the home team.

"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

The moment Ewing succeeded in the jump ball, defensive shouts resounded throughout the arena.

Lee controlled the ball, quickly moved across half court and came to the left wing. The cautious Kevin Johnson immediately stepped forward to defend him.

So far in the regular season, no opposing player has let Lee go. The Suns also did a video analysis before the game, so they were naturally well prepared.

Larry Johnson, who returned to the starting lineup, quickly moved to the left elbow area of the free throw line.

Seeing his teammates complete their run, Lee immediately passed the ball to Alan Houston at the top of the arc, and then quickly cut sideways from left to right.

In the left elbow area, "Grandmama" first delayed Kevin Johnson. At the same time, Oakley's screen in the right elbow area of the free throw line delayed the opponent's pursuit.

When Lee bounced out to the right wing outside the three-point line, Alan Houston immediately made a cross pass.

After receiving the ball, Lee did not make any adjustments, but immediately threw the ball!

Kevin Johnson just chased in front of Lee and did not have time to block the shot, showing a surprised expression.

"Swish!" The three-pointer went into the net!

Hearing the boos from the fans at the scene, Lee, who was retreating, looked calm and just gave his teammates a thumbs up.

Al McCoy, the veteran commentator for the Suns, saw Lee score at the start of the game and said helplessly in a low voice:

"Bad shot selection! But Lee was in good form tonight and made his shot."

"Steve Nash, also a rookie this year, seems to be still adapting to the NBA. Coach Ainge thinks he is not ready yet."

As an old-school point guard, Kevin Johnson has never relied on shooting from beyond the three-point line.

The Suns attacked, and center Holt immediately came to the right elbow area of the free throw line to set a screen.

On the right wing, Kevin Johnson passed the ball with his left hand, and with the help of his teammates' cover, he quickly broke through to the free throw line, briefly got rid of Lee's pursuit, and immediately made a quick stop jump shot!

Ewing had been guarding under the basket, strictly preventing the opponent from attacking the basket. The basketball hit the basket and bounced out. The gorilla easily grabbed the rebound and then quickly passed the ball to Lee.

Unlike previous games, the Knicks' transition offense was faster.

Kevin Johnson once again chose to delay defense, but Lee quickly passed the ball to Alan Houston who rushed across the center line.

The latter received the ball and came to the top of the arc. Lee and Larry Johnson from the Knicks also ran to the wings, one on the left and one on the right.

Charles Oakley, who was lagging behind, was not in a hurry. He took advantage of the moment when Alan Houston passed the ball back to Lee and the opponent's defense just got into position, and went to the left wing and stood still to provide cover.

Lee maintained a triple-threat posture and swayed to the right and left, lowered his center of gravity, released the ball with his left hand, and quickly broke through with a cross step.

The fans at the scene subconsciously exclaimed. Without any fancy moves, Kevin Johnson was still fooled, made a wrong judgment, and was directly passed by Lee.

Kevin Johnson immediately chased after him and moved back to Lee's side, constantly engaging in physical confrontation.

When approaching the paint area, Lee jumped, used his body to break through the defense, ignored the opponent's block, and made a one-handed layup with his left hand!

"My bowl!!"

After landing, Lee shouted, signaling to the referee that the opponent had fouled. He didn't get a whistle, but he didn't care and immediately retreated quickly.

The big man Holt standing in the paint area was still paying attention to Ewing's movements. Lee had already scored 2 points, and everyone on the Suns team looked at the boss for a moment.

"Shhh!!"

There was a huge booing at the scene. Kevin Johnson felt that he had lost face. After serving the ball from the baseline, he took the blame with a sullen face:

"It's my problem. Everyone, pay attention to retreating!"

After missing the shot in the first round, Kevin Johnson, who wanted to save face, changed the direction of his attack.

Using Holt's screen at the left elbow of the free throw line, Kevin Johnson quickly pushed the ball and changed direction.

He lowered his body center of gravity very low, and accelerated the breakthrough after switching to his right hand!

Lee didn't have a good way to defend the small pick-and-roll attack. Kevin Johnson passed the defense but didn't rush up completely.

When he met Ewing squatting in the paint to protect the basket, he leaned his body, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and forced a layup!

Kevin Johnson fell to the ground while dodging defense. He did not hear the expected whistle, and the basketball hit the rim and bounced out due to interference.

Ewing grabbed the rebound again.

Head coach Danny Ainge on the sidelines kept shouting loudly, asking his players to retreat quickly.

During the transition offense, after receiving the ball, Lee was completely uninterrupted for a while. When the Suns' big man Howard heard the shouting, he was only concerned with returning to defense and did not pay any attention to the situation on his side.

Kevin Johnson got up from the floor and quickly returned to defense, while loudly reminding his teammates:

"Follow up and defend!"

By the time the Suns realized something was wrong, Lee, who was advancing quickly along the right sideline, had already reached the right wing.

As he approached the three-point line, he immediately slowed down and adjusted his pace. Lee quickly passed the ball and made a three-point jump shot!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went into the net!

"Bad shot choice! Ouch! Something went wrong with our retreat!"

Commentator Al McCoy was almost stunned. In his opinion, these attacks were unreasonable.

After the goal was scored, the atmosphere group on the Knicks bench shouted and everyone threw towels wildly, but Lee remained expressionless. He raised his right arm, held up three fingers, took small steps, and quickly retreated.

8:0, in less than 2 minutes, Lee scored 8 points in a row, and the Suns fans at the scene booed helplessly.

Jeff Van Gundy, who was in an idle state, sat quietly on the bench, trying to make himself look as confident as Pat Riley.

"It's also a good idea to let Lee take charge of the game occasionally, Jeff. We can design some more tactics for him."

Assistant coach Don Chaney was in a good mood, holding up the playbook and whispering suggestions.

Jeff Van Gundy did not respond.

Establishing the core players is not an easy task. He also has to consider the problems in the locker room:

"50 superstars helping a 19-year-old rookie?"

Thinking of this, Jeff Van Gundy shook his head secretly in his heart. This thing is impossible!

The first to break the deadlock for the Suns was Wesley Person. Kevin Johnson broke through and passed the ball to the opponent, and responded with a three-pointer in the right corner.

The Suns fans at the scene cheered. After the opening, the Knicks played too fast and they were a little confused.

Lee could feel that Kevin Johnson had strengthened his defense against him, so for several consecutive rounds, he simply observed the opponent's defensive position and clarified the tactical goals to make the team's offense more purposeful.

The scores on both sides began to rise, and Kevin Johnson felt like he had punched cotton.

The defense had just relaxed a bit, and Kevin Johnson thought Lee would slip back along the baseline, but he bounced out diagonally.

The moment he bounced out to the left wing, Lee received a cross pass from "Grandmama" and immediately raised the ball for a fake move.

While Kevin Johnson's center of gravity moved forward, he released the ball with his right hand and broke through.

With a quick slide, Kevin Johnson did not lose his defensive position. Lee broke into the paint area, took three steps forward and pretended to make a layup!

Then he jumped quickly and raised his left arm, trying to block the shot, but Lee paused in the air, then threw the ball behind his head, grabbed it with his right hand, and threw it directly into Ewing's hands under the basket.

The big man in the paint, Hord, realized that he was over-helping, and turned his head to see Ewing dunking with one hand at the basket!

"Ah!!"

The gorilla roared, and the atmosphere group on the Knicks bench cheered again. Assistant coach Don Chaney also smiled and whispered:

"We should give Lee more opportunities! Age is not a problem!"

...

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