2:2, tied with the Eastern Conference's top seed, the Miami Heat!
The next game is the pivotal Game 5.
For the Knicks, it's another immense test.
The Heat are playing at home, and it's the crucial fifth game. One can only imagine the players' state.
The Big Three will surely fight with everything they have, playing to the death, and will absolutely not lose Game 5.
So, before the game, D'Antoni pumped his players up with some more motivation.
"Guys, this game will be the most important game of your careers. How you perform will determine your future!"
"How you play is up to you. At this point, there are no more secret weapons between us and the Heat. It's a close-quarters battle, a slugfest!"
…
Fueled by D'Antoni's encouragement, the Knicks players were pumped and their morale was sky-high!
Two days later, Game 5 tipped off!
Both teams' starting lineups remained unchanged.
In the tip-off at center court, the Heat secured possession.
James brought the ball up the court and passed it to Wade first.
Wade had returned to his peak form in the previous four games, playing exceptionally well.
The fans also hoped to see Wade play more.
James knew the desires of the Heat fans. He was a little jealous, but there was nothing he could do. Wade was the soul of the Heat.
After receiving the pass, Wade made a sharp crossover, getting past Curry, then drove to the right side of the paint and pulled up for a jump shot.
When your knees are healthy, you're unstoppable!
Swish!
The Heat scored first!
The home crowd cheered Wade's name loudly.
Li Feng greeted his teammates, telling them not to get discouraged.
"We need to give them one back!"
After crossing half-court, Li Feng saw the Heat double-teaming him again and passed the ball to Curry.
Jokic came out to set a screen for Wade.
While European white players might not have the same leaping ability as African Americans, they are built sturdily, and their screens are very effective.
Curry used Jokic's screen, quickly moved laterally, and pulled up for a three-pointer before Bosh could close out!
Swish!
My three-point sword is the fire of hell!
This strong response silenced the noise from the Heat's home crowd.
Li Feng was the first to rush over and chest-bump Curry in celebration!
"Keep it up, Stephen!"
Curry's basket greatly boosted the Warriors' morale!
Heat possession.
After crossing half-court, James looked around, feigning a pass, but Bosh suddenly stepped up, blocking Li Feng. James seized the opportunity, drove to the basket, posted up Jokic, and scored two points.
Beep!
The referee's whistle blew, and he also called a blocking foul on Jokic.
Jokic shook his head in frustration.
He had shown some improvement throughout this series and his confidence had grown considerably.
However, James's play made him question everything.
Li Feng and Curry both came over, high-fived him, and said a few encouraging words.
James stepped up to the free-throw line and made the additional free throw!
5:3, the Heat still led.
On the next possession, Li Feng knew it was his turn to attack.
This was unspoken communication on the court. As the team leader, he needed to give his teammates confidence and send a message to their opponents!
After crossing half-court, Li Feng gestured to Green.
Green immediately came over and screened Battier.
Li Feng used the opportunity to move laterally, faking a drive.
James was active and immediately started, planning to get around Green to intercept Li Feng.
But the moment James started, Li Feng changed direction and drove towards the direction James had just come from.
James was shocked and it was too late to turn and chase.
Li Feng sped past like the wind and reached the baseline.
Bosh had no choice but to come over to help, denying Li Feng any space to shoot.
But Jokic cut into the paint for an opportunity. Li Feng, with eyes everywhere, zipped!
He threw a direct pass over Bosh's shoulder.
Jokic caught the ball, lofted a shot, swish!
That soft touch was also exceptional!
D'Antoni yelled in excitement.
He was truly impressed with Li Feng now. His court vision was truly sharp!
Jokic had been a disappointment for most of the regular season, but his improvement in these playoff rounds was evident.
Of course, his progress was inseparable from Li Feng's nurturing, patience, and support.
In fact, Li Feng was also grateful to D'Antoni.
He knew the head coach was unhappy with Jokic and had always wanted to bench him.
But D'Antoni, out of respect for Li Feng, kept him in the starting lineup.
The Heat players were stunned. Li Feng's drive had torn the Heat's defense to shreds.
Jokic, having received an easy assist, was ecstatic, rushing over to high-five Li Feng and roar.
Li Feng also patted him, encouraging him, "Well done, you can do it!"
In the next few possessions, both teams showcased brilliant offensive and defensive plays.
With 5:26 left in the first quarter, the score was 13:12, with the Knicks leading by one point.
In the crucial Game 5, the Knicks still leading, and at the Heat's home court, this shocked many fans.
After the timeout, the Heat took Wade out to rest for a bit and brought in Ray Allen, aiming to increase their shooting range.
The Knicks also made a substitution, with Li Feng resting and Jeremy Lin coming in.
This substitution puzzled many fans.
Actually, this was a pre-arranged plan between Li Feng and D'Antoni, aiming for a surprise tactic.
The main reason was Curry's good form today, and the Heat's strategy was to double-team Li Feng.
With Li Feng suddenly off the court, it would disrupt the Heat's formation.
Indeed, when the Heat's LeBron James returned to the court after the timeout, he noticed Li Feng was gone and unconsciously scratched his head, pausing for a moment.
The game continued.
Heat possession. James made a tank-like drive and then passed to Ray Allen, who hit a three-pointer!
On the ensuing Knicks possession, Jeremy Lin brought the ball up, Jokic stepped out to screen Ray Allen.
Jeremy Lin's pick-and-roll was also exceptional. He used the screen and drove towards the paint.
Bosh spread his arms, covering Lin under him.
Unexpectedly, Jeremy Lin, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, zipped!
He directly passed the ball to Jokic at the top of the arc.
This was Jokic's advantage: he had a shot and the height.
Ray Allen didn't expect Jokic to shoot a three-pointer and tried to jump to contest, but he couldn't reach it.
Swish!
Jokic is amazing!
Another three-pointer.
Li Feng, on the sidelines, jumped up excitedly, making a three-point gesture towards Jokic.
D'Antoni nodded secretly. The players he had doubted at the beginning of the season, Jeremy Lin and Jokic, were performing repeatedly in such an important game. It was truly awesome!
However, James's ability was still too strong. He immediately responded.
He used a screen to drive to the paint, then turned to shake off Jokic, drove to the basket, and slammed it home for two points!
With 9:15 left in the first quarter, the score was 26:24, with the Heat leading by two.
With Li Feng off the court, the team could still trade blows with the Heat. This was unimaginable before the playoffs.
The fans in attendance were stunned.
Was this still the same Knicks team that was bullied by everyone in the regular season?
The teams started making more substitutions.
Jokic, Green, Curry, andביר-Walker went to the bench, replaced by Chandler, Marion, Shumpirt, and Novak.
The Heat also brought in reserve players like Cole and Mike Miller.
The score went back and forth, and at the end of the first quarter, the score was 34:32, with the Heat leading by two.
Heat coach Spoelstra's face was solemn. He wasn't relaxed despite the temporary lead.
On the contrary, he felt today was very dangerous.
Because Li Feng had only played a little over five minutes in the first quarter, which was extremely rare!
Everyone knew that the Knicks were finished this season and were entirely propped up by Li Feng.
Therefore, many basketball media outlets predicted that if Li Feng didn't play over 35 minutes per game and score over 45 points per game, the Knicks would have no chance!
Yet, in this crucial Game 5, Li Feng had only played a little over five minutes in the first quarter, scoring 2 points.
And that wasn't the most frightening part.
The most frightening thing was that with Li Feng playing so few minutes, the Knicks were only trailing by 2 points.
Had these teammates suddenly evolved?
Li Feng had been cheering for his teammates on the sidelines, extremely excited!
He was even a little moved.
This was because he had also faced immense pressure during the regular season.
Having won three championships in the past three seasons had displeased too many fans.
While he had many fans, his detractors were even more numerous!
With so many losses in the regular season, after every game, there were floods of haters celebrating.
Even though Li Feng had a mature personality, it was still difficult.
Finally, through the trials and tribulations of the playoffs, the team had grown, and Li Feng's eyes were a little moist.
The next day, the game resumed, and Li Feng returned to the court.
This staggered deployment also caught the Heat off guard.
The Heat brought back Wade, playing with the reserves.
Wade's condition was indeed good after his knee healed. He unexpectedly hit a three-pointer right away, which Jeremy Lin did not anticipate at all.
Lin's strategy against Wade was to prevent drives, not shots.
With Wade's three-pointer going in, the deficit widened to 5 points.
Li Feng certainly wouldn't allow that. He gestured to Jeremy Lin and then headed towards the sideline.
Lin dribbled up the court, used a screen, and drove into the paint.
Li Feng suddenly cut around Chandler and drove to the other side of the rim. Lin, quick as ever, zipped!
This kind of coordination was very bold.
After Li Feng received the pass, Bosh rushed up, but Li Feng took a step and leaned, performing a super layup!
Many players could do layups, but very few, like Li Feng, could do it with almost no running start, just a step and a layup!
Drip!
He made the two points!
Wade's and Li Feng's shots stunned many fans!
Had these two players possessed each other?
How could someone who rarely shot threes now hit one, and someone who primarily shot threes drive to the basket?
Li Feng and Wade's duel had begun.
Both players showcased their signature moves, going back and forth, making for an exciting spectacle!
With over five minutes played in the second quarter, Li Feng hit a 45-degree three-pointer, drawing a foul and completing a three-point play.
The Knicks had actually taken the lead again!
Li Feng made the free throw, making the score 47:45, Knicks leading!
Spoelstra shook his head helplessly.
Although Wade's knee had recovered, his age was a factor, and his stamina would eventually be an issue.
He had fought too hard in the past few minutes, so Spoelstra called a timeout to let Wade rest.
Both teams brought their star players back onto the court.
D'Antoni was very satisfied with Li Feng's performance, stepping forward to high-five him.
Li Feng remained on the court for the latter half of the second quarter.
The Heat, unwilling to fall behind, launched a counter-attack led by James.
At halftime, the score was 68:67, with the Knicks leading by just one point.
This was truly a Game 5, and the atmosphere was suffocating.
After the second half began, the Knicks, led by Li Feng, suddenly unleashed the "Knicks' Frenzy"!
This was something the Heat hadn't expected.
James thought Li Feng would let his teammates take the lead first.
Li Feng hit two consecutive three-pointers and a three-point play from a driving dunk, forcing the Heat to call a timeout!
And this was just over two minutes into the third quarter.
Spoelstra smiled bitterly and shook his head.
The score was 77:69, with the Knicks holding an eight-point lead.
After the timeout, the Heat's Li Feng was subjected to a furious double-team.
Li Feng struggled to even receive the ball.
The Knicks' offensive focus shifted to Curry.
However, Curry's shooting touch declined under Wade's defense.
Both teams found offense difficult, as Li Feng, despite being double-teamed on offense, still gave his all on defense.
By the end of the third quarter, the score was 88:81, with the Knicks leading by seven points.
The margin wasn't large, and the Heat still had hope.
James was truly an iron man, giving it his all!
He had played the entire third quarter and continued to play in the fourth.
Li Feng had also played the entire third quarter, but he rested for two minutes in the fourth.
This wasn't because Li Feng was overconfident or lacked stamina, but to let the reserve lineup shoulder more responsibility.
It was a show of trust in them.
A seven-point lead should be enough to hold on for a few minutes.
Jeremy Lin led the reserve lineup, with Curry providing support.
But there was nothing that could be done; James, after all, was a superstar, too formidable.
His drives were virtually unstoppable; he either scored himself or passed to Ray Allen or Mike Miller.
These two shooters were in good form today.
Fortunately, Novak and Shumpirt were also playing well, hitting two three-pointers in response.
But the Heat gradually closed the gap.
With over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score was 99:97, with the Knicks leading by only two points.
D'Antoni immediately called a timeout.
Even though the lead had been narrowed, he was satisfied. The reserve lineup had at least prevented the Heat from tying the score, saving considerable energy for the starters!
After the timeout, Li Feng, Curry, Green, Jokic, and other starters returned to the court.
The Heat also brought back their full starting lineup.
The most thrilling moment of Game 5 had arrived.
Knicks possession. After taking the court, Li Feng faced a double-team and passed the ball to Jokic.
Jokic understood Li Feng's intention: to have him facilitate.
Li Feng slowly moved towards the corner.
Green suddenly