Coach Zhang shook his head repeatedly, "I've never seen anything like it, too scary. Like Spider-Man, so tall, such long arms, and shoots so accurately. How can we defend him?"
"Yeah, and the Thunder aren't just about Durant. Westbrook and Ibaka are also monstrous talents, flying everywhere, capable of anything!"
"Harden isn't bad either. He's a lottery pick, and the Thunder only got past the Spurs because of him. He played well in the first half, better than Westbrook."
"The Knicks' talent is too poor. Only Li Feng and Yao Ming are decent. Lowry is physically okay, but his impact isn't as good as Westbrook's, and his organizational skills aren't as good as Harden's. This game won't be easy."
"It all comes down to Li Feng. If he explodes in the second half, the Knicks still have hope."
"Li Feng exploding alone? It won't make much difference. Two fists can't fight four hands, let alone the Thunder have more than four hands."
...
The views of the two commentators represented the thoughts of many fans.
Fans flooded the forums, expressing pessimism about the Knicks' prospects.
Li Feng's anti-fans seized the opportunity, becoming exceptionally active, relentlessly criticizing Li Feng and Yao Ming.
"Chinese basketball just isn't good. If it weren't for the referees favoring them, they wouldn't have won those two championships!"
"Referees favoring them? Where were they favoring them? That's hilarious. Look at how Li Feng was treated last year!"
"Of course, they were favored by the referees. What do you think Red Star Sports does? They invest a lot of money in the NBA league."
"I haven't seen any referee favoritism towards Li Feng, to be honest. I'd say the Knicks don't even have home-court officiating, let alone favoritism..."
"In the first two championships, Li Feng was riding on Yao Ming's coattails and then reaping the rewards. Yao Ming must have been upset."
"I think so too. Yao Ming is playing too passively. There must be a conflict with Li Feng."
"That's funny, you can even deduce psychological activities from watching a game? What a bunch of self-righteous people!"
...
This game attracted countless fans, with viewership reaching new heights.
Countless fans worldwide were discussing the game.
The second half of the game began.
As soon as it started, Li Feng moved quickly laterally, breaking free from Thabo Sefolosha's defense and hitting an ultra-long three-pointer!
The home crowd erupted in cheers, thinking the Knicks' comeback had officially begun!
Who knew that Kevin Durant would then respond with a pull-up three from the 45-degree angle!
Durant was in such great form, it felt like he would make every shot he took.
Bill Walker had lost confidence, shaking his head and sighing in frustration.
Knicks possession.
Li Feng drove to the basket again, attracting defenders, then passed to Yao Ming, who scored with an easy layup.
But in return, Westbrook completed a fast-break dunk, only taking 6 seconds to make a powerful response!
Li Feng sighed, the Thunder's confidence was palpable, whoever shot it felt it was going in!
In the first half of the third quarter, Li Feng scored 10 points, but the deficit didn't shrink.
This was because the Knicks couldn't stop the Thunder's offense.
Li Feng signaled to his teammates, telling them to stay calm and not panic.
However, given the disparity in strength between the two teams, it was impossible not to panic.
His teammates could clearly see that Li Feng was giving his all, but it was no match for the Thunder's all-around offensive prowess.
In the latter half of the third quarter, the Thunder brought Harden back onto the court, making them even more unstoppable.
As a result, at the end of the third quarter, the Thunder were leading the Knicks by 31 points.
It was a complete blowout!
Coach D'Antoni decisively called off the starters, deciding not to play the main players anymore.
Li Feng also gave up, knowing that this game belonged to the Thunder and couldn't be turned around!
The home fans were greatly disappointed, and some even cried.
Losing the first home game meant the home-court advantage was gone.
If the game had been intense and close, with a narrow loss by a few points, it could have been somewhat acceptable.
But losing by 31 points after three quarters!
Was this even the Finals?
It was a one-sided slaughter!
The confidence Li Feng had painstakingly built among the Knicks fans was shattered by this game.
For the entire fourth quarter, Li Feng kept his head covered with a towel, and no one knew what he was thinking.
D'Antoni and his Knicks teammates saw Li Feng like this for the first time.
It indicated that Li Feng truly had no solution.
In the end, the Thunder defeated the Knicks 126-102, forcefully taking the first victory in the Finals!
Li Feng played 28 minutes today, scoring 27 points on only 13 shots.
While his efficiency was high, his impact on the game was significantly diminished.
The Thunder's ubiquitous help defense and screens made it difficult for the Knicks to move.
Yao Ming only scored 15 points today, and Yi Jianlian scored 8 points.
The trio from China encountered their biggest challenge since the playoffs.
After the game, Li Feng spoke to reporters.
A reporter asked, "Mr. Li Feng, this is the Knicks' first loss at home since the playoffs. What do you think are the reasons for the defeat?"
Li Feng felt a pang of sadness, but he still replied slowly, "The reasons... are many. The most significant reason is that I didn't play well."
"Can you be more specific?"
"Specifically, our offense couldn't penetrate, and our defense couldn't hold. The Thunder are a team with historic offensive capabilities. They deserved to win today."
Seeing Li Feng's objective answers, the reporters nodded slightly.
"Mr. Li Feng, Durant scored 34 points today with great efficiency. Does that mean the Knicks currently have no way to contain Durant?"
Li Feng answered crisply, "Yes, we haven't found a good way to contain Durant. His offense is simple and efficient, and his three-point shots are decisive. He's too difficult to defend."
"Will you make any adjustments in the next game?"
Li Feng nodded, "We definitely need to adjust. We won't lose two home games in a row."
...
After the interview, Li Feng sat in the locker room for a long time before leaving the stadium.
"Feng..."
As soon as he stepped out of the stadium, Li Feng saw Jenna standing at the entrance, with her red Ferrari parked nearby.
Li Feng's heart warmed. He knew Jenna must have watched the game at home, and knowing Li Feng was in a bad mood, she had come to pick him up.
"Jenna, I'm fine."
Li Feng pretended to be casual, forcing a smile, and walked over to embrace Jenna.
"Don't lie to me. Your expression was terrible when the game ended. I've never seen you like this before."
Jenna nudged his chin with her head, like a kitten.
Li Feng hugged Jenna tightly with affection, saying nothing more.
Jenna drove them for a spin, then stopped next to a Chinese restaurant.
This was Li Feng's favorite Chinese restaurant, and Jenna wanted to use good food to help him forget his troubles.
Li Feng smiled and walked into the Chinese restaurant with Jenna.
This was a very famous Chinese restaurant in New York. Most of the patrons were foreigners, with very few Chinese people.
Even though Li Feng wore a hat, pulled low to hide his face, he was recognized as soon as he entered.
Some fans cheered Li Feng on, while others offered words of comfort.
However, a few extremist fans subjected Li Feng to mockery and abuse.
"Li Feng, you're too weak! You let the Thunder crush you by over 30 points. Go die!"
"Li Feng won't win the championship this year. Your tricks have long been figured out!"
"Go back to China! You and Yao Ming are burdens to the Knicks!"
...
Initially, Li Feng and Jenna didn't want to pay them any attention, but these people became increasingly outrageous, even following them to their private room and continuing their insults.
Jenna got angry. She suddenly opened the door of the private room and pointed at the extremist fans, shouting, "Li Feng has brought two championships to the Knicks! What right do you have to curse him?"
However, extremist fans wouldn't reason with you. Those guys cursed even more harshly.
Li Feng quickly pulled Jenna back and closed the door of the private room.
"Jenna, don't pay attention to them. We are public figures. There will always be people who like us and people who curse us."
Then Li Feng called the restaurant manager and asked security to handle the situation.
Only then did the extremist fans leave resentfully.
Seeing Li Feng's calm demeanor, Jenna couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you angry at all?"
Li Feng smiled, "I'm used to it. Fans are like this. They praise you highly when you play well and curse you when you play poorly. Some people watch games just to vent; they don't consider the specifics."
Jenna felt Li Feng's words made sense and was relieved. She began to eat with Li Feng in a calm manner.
Although Li Feng appeared calm on the surface, chatting and laughing with Jenna, he was still deeply upset in his heart.
The home-court advantage was gone, and they had lost by such a wide margin.
Would the dream of a three-peat really slip away?
After dinner with Jenna, they went home. Jenna, with her unique tenderness, helped Li Feng momentarily forget the pain of defeat.
...
The next morning, Li Feng opened his eyes and turned to see Jenna still sleeping soundly.
Li Feng felt a little guilty; he had indeed been too energetic last night.
He didn't wake Jenna, quietly washed up, prepared breakfast for her, and then went to the stadium for practice.
It was still early, and Li Feng was the first to arrive at the stadium.
As Li Feng was sweating profusely and training hard, Coach D'Antoni also arrived at the stadium.
"Li Feng, you, why are you here so early? It's not even eight o'clock yet..."
Li Feng wiped his sweat, "Coach, I'm not reconciled!"
D'Antoni fully understood Li Feng's feelings. Being defeated by a large margin in the first game of the Finals, losing the home-court advantage, no one would feel good about it.
"Li Feng, what changes do you think we need to make to turn things around?"
D'Antoni knew very well that the Thunder's talent nearly crushed the Knicks. Without changes, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Li Feng didn't really have any good ideas either, only managing a wry smile, "In the next game, I'll try my best to score more points."
The implication was clear: other players were struggling to perform under the Thunder's defense, and Li Feng, as the star player, should do more.
What D'Antoni liked most about Li Feng was this very trait. He always carried the team on his shoulders and never complained about his teammates.
"But... basketball is a team sport. No matter how many points you score, you can't win the series alone."
Li Feng remained silent. D'Antoni's words were very true; basketball is a team sport.
But in the Knicks team, aside from Li Feng and Yao Ming, who were top-tier in the league, the others were indeed only mid-level players.
It was Li Feng who had brought the team to this height.
Now, facing the Thunder, who were at their peak in both talent and skill, their weaknesses were naturally magnified.
Seeing Li Feng's silence, D'Antoni understood completely; Li Feng was also helpless.
What is the most important coaching skill for an NBA head coach?
It's not about tactics or in-game adjustments.
The most important thing is the ability to leverage the star player's talent.
Because there are only so many basketball strategies, and every year countless players retire, coupled with talented basketball prospects from college, there are innumerable such individuals.
However, the number of people who can become head coaches is very limited.
Therefore, being able to gain the trust of the club and the support of the star player is the prerequisite for a head coach to secure their position.
Seeing that Li Feng was also powerless, D'Antoni could only sigh and turn away.
The other Knicks players gradually arrived and began practicing together.
The atmosphere in the practice gym was somewhat strange, with very little conversation.
The players who usually enjoyed joking around had also become taciturn.
Li Feng still offered a few words of encouragement to his teammates, but his tone was completely different from usual, carrying a hint of helplessness and dejection.
...
The second game began.
Li Feng certainly understood the importance of the second game. This was New York's second home game. If they lost this one too, it would be even harder to play in Oklahoma City.
In that case, they might be swept by the Thunder, a complete shutout.
Even if they had suffered two previous losses, being swept would still be a huge humiliation.
Therefore, Li Feng broke his usual habits and launched a furious offensive from the first quarter.
Li Feng transformed into "Mad Li"!
Bang!
Driving dunk!
Swish!
Three-point shot!
Pat!
Banked mid-range shot!
Li Feng unleashed everything in his arsenal!
Despite the Thunder's full defensive effort, even employing triple-teams, Li Feng remained unstoppable.
His teammates also provided maximum support, using screens and off-ball movement to create space.
This was the Knicks' last strategic weapon.
Thanks to Li Feng's efforts, at the end of the first quarter, the score was 38-34, with the Knicks leading by 4 points.
The score itself showed how efficient Li Feng's offense was, but it also highlighted how fierce the Thunder's offense was!
With Li Feng playing so well, they were only leading by 4 points, which was unimaginable in previous Knicks games.
In the first quarter, Li Feng scored a staggering 26 points, along with 3 assists, almost single-handedly carrying the team's offensive load.
He also gave his all on the defensive end.
Unfortunately, the Thunder's offense was equally sharp. Durant also scored 15 points, Westbrook had 7, Ibaka had 4, and Harden had 8.
Li Feng was truly exhausted.
Although he wanted to continue playing in the second quarter, Coach D'Antoni couldn't bear to see it.
Li Feng was panting heavily, sweating profusely, and his legs were slightly trembling.
Furthermore, the Thunder's defenders played rough, and Li Feng had scratches on his arms, face, and neck.
The NBA regulations stipulated that any player bleeding on the court must be treated immediately.
D'Antoni benched Li Feng in the second quarter and sent in the reserve lineup.
The reserve players witnessed Li Feng's all-out effort and also gritted their teeth, vowing: "We must maintain the lead!"