Check out my new fanfics.
A cote x hikigaya crossover.
Ryuga from Beyblade in Pokemon World.
Please give it a go ??
***
On April 21, 2001, rookie Head Coach Isiah Thomas felt a sense of self-doubt.
Although it was anticipated that the ga might be difficult, the Pacers' bench fell silent as they watched Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose continuously miss shots.
Isiah Thomas, who had been shouting throughout the ga, returned to the bench with a dazed look just before halfti, quietly watching the Knicks launch a counterattack.
The New York fans were particularly excited to see their old rivals completely fall apart.
Even though it was a blowout, everyone watched with great enthusiasm.
Lee, who secured the long rebound, didn't rush to attack, even though the Pacers were trying hard to retreat on Defense.
Instead, he slowly advanced along the left sideline.
Travis Best cautiously maintained his balance, staying in front of Clay Lee and shuffling backward.
The small point guard had been frequently driven past since the start of the ga, and now could only defend half a step back, constantly controlling the distance.
Allan Houston, who had reached the top of the arc, waved to Ron Artest on the right wing.
Soon, the Knicks players spread out one by one.
Reggie Miller watched Ron Artest run to the right corner.
As he hesitated whether to continue following Allan Houston, Lee slowly approached the three-point line.
Kurt Thomas and Ben Wallace were positioned near the left and right baselines, showing no intention of coming up for a pick-and-roll.
Best subconsciously glanced behind him, then saw Lee suddenly hop-dribble in front of him, raising his body's center of gravity.
Instinctively sliding backward to the left, Best had just shifted his weight when Lee quickly pulled the ball back between his legs, feinting out half a step, gathered the ball on the left wing, and quickly jumped to shoot from beyond the three-point line!
"Swish!" The three-pointer swished through the net!
Best, who jumped in place to contest, was a bit embarrassed.
His defensive read was wrong, and he gave up points.
The sudden cold shot in a semi-transition offense made the shouts from the crowd grow louder.
Clay Lee, retreating on Defense, clapped his hands, indicating they still had another offensive opportunity.
38:58.
With 29.3 seconds left in the first half, the Knicks led by 20 points.
Miller, who inbounded the ball, was furious seeing Spike Lee raising both hands on the sideline.
However, he couldn't find his shooting touch and could only press his lips together as he rushed past half-court.
For the last possession, Best started to run down the clock after crossing half-court.
Jermaine O'Neal initially wanted to co up for a pick-and-roll but was stopped again.
The Pacers players also spread out one by one, watching Best frequently get the ball stripped by Lee at the top of the arc.
With 10 seconds left on the shot clock, Best, who had been holding the ball with his right hand and protecting it with his back, began to call Croshere to co up for a screen at the top of the arc.
A anxious Croshere only set a brief screen before imdiately rolling down, causing Kurt Thomas's sudden steal to perfectly form a double-team with Lee.
Completely covered, Best couldn't find a passing lane for a mont.
In a daze, he simply quickly passed the ball to Jalen Rose on the right wing.
The hurried pass was obvious in its intent but poor in quality.
Jalen Rose intended to shuffle over to receive it, but Ron Artest was even more aggressive in his pursuit.
On the right wing, Jalen Rose had no ti to adjust after receiving the ball when he found it firmly grasped by Ron Artest.
With a tug, Ron Artest yanked the ball out of his opponent's arms.
The referee didn't blow the whistle.
After completing the steal, he took the ball and charged.
A 1-on-0 fast break. Jalen Rose, who almost stumbled, had no ti to chase back on Defense.
Ron Artest had already charged inside the three-point line.
After taking three big steps and jumping, he slamd the ball down with one hand for a powerful dunk!
"Ah!"
After completing the dunk, Ron Artest let out a loud yell upon landing, repeatedly pounding his chest in front of the retreating Jalen Rose, appearing extrely excited.
"Wow!"
The piercing cheers erupted again.
Coach Isiah Thomas couldn't hold back, stood up, and unleashed a torrent of words at Best, then watched angrily as Jermaine O'Neal missed a putback layup under the basket.
38:60. At halfti, the Knicks held a 22 point lead.
Perhaps it was because they were losing so badly, Isiah Thomas glared at his players walking towards the bench and roared:
"Shit! You guys played like crap in the first half!"
"…"
In the first half, Reggie Miller scored 6 points on 2-of-12 shooting, and Jalen Rose also had 6 points on 3-of-11 shooting.
Hearing their Head Coach's shouting, both lowered their heads and said nothing, walking dejectedly towards the player tunnel.
Losing the ga like this was indeed their fault.
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, which had erupted again, grew even more fervent.
This kind of crushing victory made everyone feel great, and it could be described in one word:
"Aweso!"
It seed no different from the regular season.
This season, the Pacers had completely fallen apart, unable to score or defend.
Jermaine O'Neal lacked too much ga experience and couldn't compare to Smits yet.
The Knicks players walked towards the player tunnel with relaxed expressions.
Lee exchanged simple high-fives with his teammates and also showed a satisfied smile.
To everyone's surprise, the first-round series was indeed easier.
It wasn't because the Knicks' Defense was so good, but because their opponents were shooting so poorly.
At the TNT comntary desk, Marv Albert found it difficult to evaluate the first half of the ga.
The Pacers had indeed double-tead, but in so possessions, they didn't execute it properly:
"The first half was sowhat unexpected. If they want to turn the ga around, how should the Pacers adjust in the second half?"
Hubie Brown, hearing the question, was speechless for a mont.
After a brief thought, he simply offered so platitudes:
"Continue to resolutely execute the double-team, force the Knicks' role players to take shots, and don't easily change the ga strategy."
"If the opponent's shooting percentage drops, I believe the Pacers still have a chance."
"…"
During the regular season, most teams facing the Knicks would adopt a strategy of double-teaming the ball-handler in crunch ti.
During halfti, Coach Isiah Thomas couldn't think of a better solution.
After his outburst, he cald down, tapped the whiteboard, and continued:
"The defenders in both corners must collapse. Don't worry about the score difference. This is a long series. Now I just want to see you resolutely execute the tactics!"
When setting a pick-and-roll with the center, Jermaine O'Neal needed to step up and hedge, and the wing defender needed to seize the opportunity to collapse.
If the Defense wasn't completed, the defender responsible for guarding the corner still had to imdiately collapse to the basket.
However, the ball moves faster than the players.
As long as the Knicks moved the ball quickly and continuously, they would always find opportunities on the periter.
Jermaine O'Neal was a bit confused.
He had never taken on so many defensive responsibilities before.
The regular season's casual playstyle wouldn't win gas.
Watching his Head Coach write and draw on the whiteboard, constantly explaining, Jermaine O'Neal's mind was a ss.
Best had been chewed out so much he was numb.
What Isiah Thomas considered simple and easy Defense, he simply couldn't do.
But seeing his Head Coach, whose "gentle and amiable" facade had faded, Best didn't dare to complain.
As the second half began, the two comntators at the desk noticed that the Knicks had only moved Ben Wallace to the starting position, knowing that this ant they would continue their regular season playstyle.
Watching Lee slowly dribble past half-court and arrive at the left wing, Hubie Brown said seriously:
"Jalen Rose should pay attention to his Defense. Grant Hill's several cuts in the first half were too easy to score."
When Ben Wallace shuffled up to the left wing to set a screen, the Knicks players had already spread out.
Allan Houston and Lewis were positioned in the left and right corners, respectively, and Grant Hill also shuffled to the right wing.
Best instinctively called for Jermaine O'Neal to help defend.
The mont Ben Wallace set the screen, Clay Lee, holding the ball with his left hand, imdiately wrapped it behind his back.
While switching to his right hand, he lowered his center of gravity and quickly perford an In-and-Out move against the helping Jermaine O'Neal.
Faking left and driving right, coupled with a fake pass motion with his wrist, Lee pinned the chasing Best and also faked out the hedging Jermaine O'Neal.
The screen quality was average.
Ben Wallace had already rolled down quickly at this point.
Jermaine O'Neal's defensive position, neither up nor down, beca awkward.
While he was still hesitating, he saw Lee suddenly accelerate.
The mont a loophole appeared in the deep hedge, Lee, having completed his fake, subtly rotated his hips to accelerate, widening his stride, and in the blink of an eye, drove straight to the basket.
Jalen Rose, who had intended to help defend from the right elbow, had no ti to react defensively.
He turned his head and saw Lee driving to the lower right side of the rim, easily scoring with a layup!
Jermaine O'Neal stood frozen directly in front of the basket.
Every ti Best failed to defend him imdiately, he never succeeded in making a sudden defensive choice.
Hearing Head Coach's shouts, Jermaine O'Neal ca back to his senses.
Seeing the tactical hand signal, he completely understood that he needed to delay mindlessly.
"Defense!"
Even though the New York Knicks were leading by a large margin, the defensive cheers continued.
With little suspense about the outco, most New York fans wanted to see Reggie Miller miss shots.
The Pacers' offense was still the sa old routine: Reggie Miller quickly dribbled along the baseline from right to left, using Jermaine O'Neal's screen near the baseline to pop out to the left block.
Best, who had been tangled with Lee, was a beat slow with his pass this ti, allowing Allan Houston to easily catch up to Miller.
Although he lost the Best offensive opportunity, Reggie Miller decisively put the ball down after receiving it and drove in, trying to cut to the basket.
Observing Ben Wallace shift his feet, Reggie Miller suddenly stopped short, then drifted slightly to the right, forcing up a jump shot!
"Bang!" Another miss.
Lewis secured the defensive rebound imdiately.
When Lee ca to receive the ball, he wasn't in a hurry to attack.
Before crossing half-court, he made a tactical hand signal.
Coach Isiah Thomas, watching Lee's movent from the sidelines, knew the New York Knicks were likely going for a three-man pick-and-roll.
He imdiately shouted a reminder:
"Delay! Jermaine, get out there!"
Near the left wing, Ben Wallace imdiately rolled after moving up.
Lee, with the ball in his right hand, drove to the right.
Facing Jermaine O'Neal's deep delay, he forced his way through.
Allan Houston saw the opponent expand their delay range and actively moved up to the free-throw line, using a back screen to delay Jermaine O'Neal's slide.
After a slight pause on Defense, Jermaine O'Neal felt like he had lost his defensive position.
Best, seeing his teammate about to be out of position, desperately chased from behind.
Allan Houston popped out to the top of the arc after completing the screen.
Reggie Miller followed Ben Wallace on the roll, leaving no one in front of him.
At the right elbow of the free-throw line, Lee jumped to pass the ball.
Jermaine O'Neal had intended to block with Best, but his teammate was simply too short.
Facing Lee's sudden jump, he couldn't block the passing lane and watched the ball fly straight to the top of the arc.
Completely open, Allan Houston even aid for two seconds after catching the ball and was still undefended.
Only then did he calmly jump and shoot!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim!
This tactic had been successful multiple tis.
Allan Houston couldn't stop smiling.
The more aggressively the opponent double-tead, the more open opportunities he got.
Even knowing what tactic the opponent would use, they still couldn't defend it.
Coach Isiah Thomas on the sidelines had already identified the problem and glared at Best:
"You'll be traded next season!"
Perhaps knowing his shot wasn't falling, Reggie Miller kept signaling to pass the ball to Jermaine O'Neal in the low post.
However, getting the ball to the right position wasn't easy.
While Ben Wallace might not be a great finisher, he was very aggressive in boxing out.
After 22 seconds of offensive struggle, Jermaine O'Neal finally managed to receive the pass in the left low post using a cross-screen.
Over the switched-on Lewis, he forced a right-handed hook shot, and the ball bounced its way into the basket.
40:65.
Looking at the 25-point difference, Marv Albert in the comntary booth began discussing off-court topics:
"Dikembe Mutombo was nad DPOY this season. I'm sowhat looking forward to the 76ers' performance this year."
"Perhaps they will be a strong opponent for the New York Knicks. In contrast, the Pacers haven't been able to find their winning feeling this season."
The first round of the playoffs is a Best-of-five series.
With the New York Knicks winning two ho gas to reach match point, it was basically over.
Hubie Brown also believed there wasn't much suspense in the series and added two more sentences:
"To limit Lee's performance, the backcourt needs an excellent defender. Neither Best nor Reggie Miller can do this job."
"Coach Kurt Thomas used almost a seven man rotation tonight. He probably won't let Zan Tabak start the next ga. The twin towers lineup completely failed."
The New York Knicks were already practicing tactical plays at this point.
It was still a three-man pick-and-roll, but this ti Grant Hill had the ball at the top of the arc.
Ben Wallace still faked a screen at the three-point line and rolled.
Clay Lee delayed the chasing Jermaine O'Neal at the free-throw line.
Jalen Rose agilely squeezed through the screen.
Grant Hill, with the ball in his right hand, didn't shake off his defender but drove while carrying him.
Seeing Ben Wallace open, he smoothly lobbed the ball towards the upper left of the basket.
Jermaine, delayed by Lee, couldn't chase back in ti.
Best reacted quickly, but he was too short.
He couldn't do much against Ben Wallace grabbing the ball in the air and watched Ben throw down a two-handed dunk!
From the start of the ga, they had been running the sa tactic frequently, and the Pacers still hadn't found a good solution, especially when Lee participated in off-ball screens, which confused the defenders.
As ga ti elapsed, the Pacers' score slowly increased through the offense of Jalen Rose and Jermaine O'Neal.
The New York Knicks' shooters took turns participating in the three-man pick-and-roll, with Grant Hill either driving or passing, and the offense suddenly beca incredibly fluid.
Jalen Rose had just made a mid-range jump shot the previous possession, and now it was another three-man pick-and-roll at the top.
This ti, Ben suddenly stopped at the left elbow, while Lee quickly shifted at the free-throw line.
Jalen Rose, chasing Hill's sudden acceleration and drive, was knocked off balance by Lee's back screen.
Best watched Grant Hill shake off his defender at the right elbow and drive straight to the basket with the ball in his right hand, instinctively sliding over to help defend.
Lee easily popped out to the top of the arc.
Grant Hill imdiately whipped the ball to him. Lee faked a shot, and the switching Jalen Rose was imdiately sent flying.
"Wow!"
Amidst the cheers, Clay Lee again put the ball down, took a step sideways, and quickly launched a jump shot from the top of the arc!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in without touching the rim.
Watching Lee complete the shot and raise his right hand, Coach Isiah Thomas imdiately called a tiout, his expression turning "painful."
The Pacers were actually broken by the sa tactic.
The coaching staff would have to take the bla after the ga.
Jeff Van Gundy, who had been quietly observing, smiled and watched everyone walk towards the bench.
He stood up and clapped continuously, showing his deanor as a famous coach.
Due to Grant Hill's injury, the tactical integration ti was not long, but it was still effective against weaker teams.
Compared to Ron Artest, Grant Hill, who had lost so of his explosiveness, was still a star player who could distribute the ball better.
Back on the bench, Lee also couldn't stop smiling.
The playoffs were even easier than the regular season.
Ewing was giving everyone a pep talk on the bench, continuing to loudly encourage them:
"Don't relax! When the reserves co in, keep extending the lead and teach them a lesson!"
"..."
With 2 minutes and 46 seconds left in the 3rd quarter, the Pacers raised the white flag.
Coach Isiah Thomas couldn't bear to watch anymore.
Perhaps rembering the past incident of being humiliated by Reggie Miller, the Gorilla was still furiously waving his towel on the sidelines as the reserve lineup ca in.
The score for the single quarter was 22:30.
After three quarters, the score was 60:88, and the ga entered garbage ti.
Clay Lee played only 28 minutes, shooting 8-of-15 from the field, 3-of-6 from three-point range, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with 23 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Allan Houston shot 6-of-12 from the field, 2-of-4 from three-point range, scoring 14 points.
Grant Hill shot 4-of-10, scoring 12 points.
Lewis shot 4-of-9 from the field, 2-of-5 from three-point range, contributing 10 points.
Seeing that four starters scored in double digits in the box score, Marv Albert was in a good mood and praised with a smile:
"As long as the shooters can find their rhythm, the New York Knicks are unstoppable!"
Hubie Brown noticed that Ewing and Ben Wallace also combined for 13 points after three quarters, and everyone who ca off the bench had scored.
He instinctively praised the Bald Young Coach:
"Head Coach Van Gundy fully utilized Grant Hill's technical characteristics. If not for injuries, I believe the New York Knicks' offense would be even better."
"Perhaps we all overlooked his offensive talent. For this year's Coach of the Year (COY), I'll cast my vote for Head Coach Van Gundy!"
"..."
After the 4th quarter began, Jeff Van Gundy was in a state of elation.
Because the New York Knicks had been plagued by injuries this season, achieving 60
wins under such circumstances ant Coach of the Year (COY) was already beckoning to him!
Trying to increase his presence, Jeff Van Gundy stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, occasionally shouting a few words to show that he was still imrsed in the ga.
On the bench, Assistant Coach Thibodeau watched Lee and others laugh in low voices, then looked at the Bald Young Coach, who was bursting with a desire to perform, and once again affird his thought:
"I can be a Head Coach too."
In the final quarter, Chauncey Billups, who ca off the bench, led the brick-laying, and both sides played quite lively, but the score increased very slowly.
Luc Longley also made an appearance in the playoffs, and just like in the regular season, the Knicks' young big n took turns on the court to experience the playoff atmosphere.
When the ga ended, the score was set at 82:110, with the Knicks winning big against the Pacers, securing their first playoff victory!
Although it was a playoff ga against a weaker team, seeing the Pacers lose by 28 points made the New York fans at the venue comfortable, and after the ga, they didn't forget to greet Reggie Miller, who had been brick-laying.
With 3-of-15 shooting, Reggie Miller only scored 10 points.
As he walked towards the players' tunnel, his face was grim, and he gave an international gesture to the New York fans on both sides.
After receiving the middle finger from the other side, the shouting and cursing at the venue grew louder for a while.
Craig Sager once again felt the "enthusiasm" of the New York fans on the sidelines, ignoring the cursing in his ears, and with a smile, he focused on interviewing Clay Lee:
"Clay, congratulations on winning this ga. Can you talk about your amazing tactics? I noticed that you successfully executed multiple plays during the ga."
Lee was slightly surprised that the other party would ask such a professional question, then he smiled and replied,
"This is all thanks to the coaching staff. In fact, in the past few seasons, we have often used this tactical style of play."
"It seems like there have been changes, but it's mainly due to the characteristics of Grant's skills."
"Head Coach Van Gundy has unearthed the potential of the roster. This season, he is the Coach of the Year (COY) in my heart!"
Hearing such a response, Craig Sager, wearing an orange and white checkered suit, didn't mind.
Instead, he laughed heartily and complinted, "The Knicks are the only team in the NBA to achieve 60
wins, so perhaps we will soon see Head Coach Van Gundy win another award!"
"..."
Grant Hill's career had always been stopped in the first round, so winning the ga so easily left this "Jordan successor" a bit dazed after the ga.
Attending the press conference with Jeff Van Gundy, Hill praised Lee and the coaching staff throughout his interview:
"6 assists? I didn't pay attention to the stats. After getting on the court, I completely imrsed myself in the ga. Playing with Lee, assists are actually not difficult at all."
"No, my body hasn't returned to its Best state yet. I'm still adapting to my ankle. The second injury hasn't affected
too much. For this, I just want to thank the Knicks family."
"Lee is too outstanding. He, like Head Coach Van Gundy, is a leader of the team. This year's Coach of the Year (COY) definitely belongs to Head Coach Van Gundy!"
"..."
The New York dia below also engaged in mutual comrcial flattery, and Jeff Van Gundy felt like he was floating.
Facing one question after another, he instinctively leaned back tactically, thinking proudly:
"Coach of the Year (COY) is mine!"
On the sa day, in the other three playoff gas, the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly defeated the Hornets 103:106;
The three musketeers perford poorly, but fortunately, Scott Williams stepped up, scoring a double-double of 21 points and 16 rebounds to help the team win.
In the Western Conference, the San Antonio Spurs narrowly defeated the Timberwolves 82:87.
In the playoffs, Gregg Popovich once again unleashed his strongest tactic!
Playing 46 minutes, Duncan shot 13-of-20, achieving an all-around stat line of 33 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks, and 2 turnovers.
Kevin Garnett, who played 45 minutes, shot 9-of-18, also delivering an excellent performance of 25 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, and 1 turnover.
The Dallas Mavericks ga, which chinese fans particularly followed, ended 86:88, with the Utah Jazz laughing last.
Dirk Nowitzki made a turnover at the last mont, getting stolen by the opponent and losing the chance for a ga-winning shot, which made the Chinese reporters watching the ga sigh secretly.
Shooting 7-of-20 throughout the ga, although he contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, Dirk Nowitzki's performance was not convincing.
On the other side of the ocean, the reason for the Dallas Mavericks' loss was also given:
"The stubborn Don Nelson paid the price for not using Wang Zhizhi!"
(A/N: Clowns ??)
On the morning of April 22nd, the NBA announced this season's Most Improved Player (MIP) award:
Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic ultimately received this award.
That night, the Orlando Magic challenged the 76ers on the road, but Tracy McGrady, who had just won the award, unfortunately lost.
90:95, in this "idol" battle, Allen Iverson ultimately won the ga.
Tracy McGrady shot 12-of-34, scoring a near triple-double of 33 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
Allen Iverson shot 11-of-28, also delivering an all-around performance of 32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.
Although both had shooting percentages below 40%, they admired each other after the ga and began a wave of comrcial flattery:
"Tracy's performance was incredible. He can score, protect the rim, and most importantly, create shooting opportunities for his teammates!"
"He is the toughest opponent I have ever faced. This was a difficult victory!"
Smiling widely after the win, Allen Iverson gave Tracy McGrady the highest praise.
"How to defend Allen Iverson? I don't know, he's too fast, he tore apart our Defense by himself!"
"No one can match him, but in the next ga, I will continue to go all out for victory!"
Tracy McGrady, who scored a near triple-double, was equally generous with his praise, showering Allen Iverson with complints.
In another Eastern Conference ga, the Toronto Raptors completed a coback, successfully defeating the Heat 85:80.
In the Western Conference, the Lakers easily defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 93:106.
Shaquille O'Neal shot 7-of-21, getting a big double-double of 24 points and 20 rebounds, while Kobe shot 9-of-20, getting a ga-high 28 points.
What surprised comntators the most was that the Sacranto Kings, playing at ho, lost to the Phoenix Suns 86:83.
After the gas on this day, the G1 performances of each team also made many comntators turn into fence-sitters again.
On the morning of April 23rd, the NBA announced this season's Sixth Man of the Year (SMOY) award:
Aaron McKie of the 76ers successfully won the award!
Contributing an average of 11.6 points, with a field goal percentage of 47.3% and a three-point percentage of 31.2%, Aaron McKie has completely grown into an important role player for the 76ers.
Although the 76ers won awards such as Scoring Champion, Rebounding Champion, DPOY, and Sixth Man of the Year this season, most comntators still did not favor this team.
On the afternoon of April 23rd, at the Tarrytown Training Center, the Knicks finished their day's training session.
dia reporters on the sidelines quickly surrounded Clay Lee, and the Yahoo Sports reporter was again the first to thrust a microphone in front of him, asking loudly:
"Clay, have you been following the 76ers' gas? They've won many awards. Will they be your biggest opponent this year?"
Soon, a TNT reporter also quickly followed up with a question:
"Lee, how do you evaluate the ga between the Orlando Magic and the 76ers? Allen Iverson believes Tracy McGrady is the toughest opponent he has ever faced."
"..."
Lee had been busy this month helping the recovered Grant Hill continue to adapt to the tactics, so he hadn't paid attention to other gas at all.
He just heard the "mouthpieces" around him introducing Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady's comrcial flattery back and forth, which almost made Lee burst out laughing.
Trying to appear serious, Lee eventually couldn't hold back and replied with a smile on his face, "Hmm, the ga was very good! Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady are both excellent players, and I'm glad to see them showcase themselves!"
"But I want to emphasize again, the Knicks have no opponents in the Eastern Conference. There's no need to ask similar questions in the future."
"..."
.....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate
:)
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