Although the Knicks were the Knicks, Li Feng’s performance this season was explosive.
He averaged 32.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 12.5 assists per game.
It was a phenomenal performance.
James’ personal stats were 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists.
While James’ stats were also amazing, they fell short compared to Li Feng.
However, if the Cavaliers actually won, James would definitely get
Or how the Cavaliers would defend if Yao Ming shot threes, and so on.
But the Knicks’ ability to adapt to the situation was still too strong.
Yao Ming was more agile after losing weight.
O’Neal’s strength was still great, but his jumping speed and mobility had indeed slowed down considerably.
With the decrease of one and the increase of the other, the Cavaliers’ interior had lost all advantage.
But he didn’t dare to substitute O’Neal, because Yao Ming would have an easier time playing against Varejão.
In the next few possessions, both sides intensified their defense, so the shooting percentage began to decline.
With 5 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game, the score was 10:6, with the Knicks leading.
It was time for the official timeout.
The fans at the Quicken Loans Arena were silent. They realized that the game, which had been evenly matched last time, was completely dominated by the Knicks today.
Li Feng scored 7 points in the first quarter, while James only scored 2 points.
If this trend continued, Li Feng would not only win the game,
He succeeded in the "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy!
The Knicks extended their lead to 8 points.
Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown had no choice but to substitute O’Neal out as well.
The situation returned to how it was before Yao Ming entered the game, with Varejão coming on after O’Neal was substituted out.
The Cavaliers started to play a smaller lineup.
The Knicks were prepared for the smaller lineup and also began to speed up.
Scola thrived in the small lineup system, his agile footwork in the paint and accurate shooting kept the Knicks’ offense flowing smoothly.
The Cavaliers’ offense was also good, but Li Feng was clearly more efficient, as his three-point shots had a larger proportion.
A three-pointer is worth one more point than a two-pointer, no other way!
At the end of the first quarter, the score was 34:23, with the Knicks leading by 11 points.
The Cavaliers fans at the Quicken Loans Arena were stunned, they couldn’t believe their eyes.
With the playoffs approaching, why were the Cavaliers being beaten so badly by the Knicks?
The bench players faced off, and the Knicks still held their ground.
After Lowry entered the game, he first drove like a tank, then passed to J.J. Hickson, who took a long two-pointer and made it!
Lowry and J.J. Hickson were a perfect match, their pick-and-rolls off the bench were in full swing, causing a lot of trouble for their opponents.
The game continued until 5 minutes and 56 seconds into the second quarter, with the score at 45:36, the Knicks still leading by 9 points.
The Cavaliers brought back their starters, and O’Neal returned to the court.
Yao Ming was not playing, he already had two fouls, so it was a good opportunity for him to rest.
As soon as O’Neal entered the game, the Knicks immediately employed the "Hack-a-Shaq" tactic.
Mike Brown was helpless, and he almost laughed out loud from the sidelines.
He had no choice but to substitute O’Neal out in the next possession.
James had few options; he could only rely on his own drives to break through the Knicks’ defense.
Fortunately, the referees’ whistles were favorable, and the Knicks’ defense dared not to play with high intensity. James went on a run, narrowing the deficit to 2 points.
Now it was D’Antoni’s turn to wear a wry smile.
He had to call a timeout to let the Knicks players catch their breath.
Li Feng’s stamina was greatly consumed because he had to help defend James.
When James charged forward, he couldn’t be stopped by one person alone; he couldn’t even be held back.
After all, he possessed historic physical talent, so defending him was quite tiring for Li Feng.
Of course, James was also tired. Li Feng’s offensive range was too wide, making it difficult for the Cavaliers players to defend him.
The game between the two teams was already at playoff intensity, or even Eastern Conference Finals intensity.
During the game, players were often seen falling to the ground.
After the timeout, D’Antoni put Yao Ming back on the court.
With Yao Ming on the court, both the Knicks’ offense and defense were elevated to another level, and the Cavaliers could no longer withstand it.
The referees did not blow the whistle against Yao Ming anymore, and the Knicks widened the gap.
On one of James’ drives, Yao Ming and Li Feng converged from front and back, stealing the ball from James.
This play essentially represented the core of both teams’ strategies: the Knicks’ interior offense and defense had reached the top tier of the league.
While the Cavaliers relied solely on James as their offensive engine, with everyone else being role players.
At the end of the first half, the score was 61:50, with the Knicks leading by 11 points.
James walked off the court with his head down, his face ashen.
He felt that this season was in jeopardy again.
…
In the broadcast booth of China Sports Channel, Yu Jia and Zhang指导 were providing commentary.
“Zhang指导, this is the best game Yao Ming and Li Feng have played together since they teamed up, isn’t it?”
Zhang指导 agreed wholeheartedly and nodded, “That’s right. Their chemistry is getting better and better. Especially that play where they trapped James from front and back, it was truly spectacular!”
“Yes, in the first few games, they still had a few turnovers, but the number of turnovers has decreased significantly since then.”
“The playoffs are about to begin, and the Knicks are entering their prime. This is a good sign. I can confidently say that as long as the Knicks can stay healthy, they will go far in the playoffs.”
“Yes, health is very important. I think Li Feng is fine, but Yao Ming still has some hidden concerns. I hope he can maintain his peak performance for a few more years.”
“You’re absolutely right. Chinese fans all think that way. Yao Ming and the Rockets represented the youth of too many people.”
“I heard that many fans cried when Yao Ming left the Rockets because they had become loyal Rockets fans.”
“Alas, I feel the same way. Many people learned about the NBA because of Yao Ming, or they knew about the NBA, but they understood it much better after Yao Ming landed.”
“Therefore, it is what many people hope to see if Yao Ming can return to his peak form with the Knicks.”
“This speaks to Li Feng’s greatness. At only 19 years old, he is performing at a superstar level. He is truly the light of pride for China!”
…
The second half began, and the Cavaliers, led by James, launched a counterattack.
James’ impact became stronger, and O’Neal effectively contained Yao Ming, leaving the Knicks’ interior vulnerable.
After a few possessions, Li Feng whispered a few words to Yao Ming, and they made another adjustment on the court.
On James’ next drive, Li Feng suddenly appeared in front of James and established position.
James reacted quickly and immediately slammed on the brakes, but his weight was too great, and he couldn’t stop.
Bang!
Li Feng fell straight to the ground, and the referee’s whistle blew, calling James for an offensive foul.
James was furious, spreading his hands and charging towards the referee, but the referee remained unmoved.