NBA: The Basketball Miracle

In the NBA, players from New York are almost universally considered to be overrated.

Thanks to the New York Media, as long as someone grew up in New York and showed some talent, they would receive favor from the New York Media.

New York's Son, Marbury, was a beneficiary.

Before the 1996 draft, he was hyped to the heavens.

The New York Knicks were also beneficiaries.

In the 1999-2000 season, Allan Houston and Ray Allen put up almost identical stats, and both made the All-Star team, but the attention they received was vastly different.

Allan Houston's shot attempts didn't change much this season, averaging 21.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7.steals, and 2.1 turnovers.

He averaged 17.2 shot attempts per game, with a field goal percentage of 45.5%, and from beyond the arc, he averaged 5.0 attempts per game with a three-point percentage of 42.3%.

Compared to Ray Allen, Allan Houston had slightly fewer free throws, averaging 4.1 free throws per game with an 83.5% free throw percentage.

Their playing styles were also extremely similar.

Allan Houston would have a few more low-post back-to-the-basket isolations, but his main scoring methods were still catch-and-shoot after screens and catch-and-go drives.

Averaging 20 points and making the All-Star team was well-deserved.

However, in public perception, Allan Houston was considered a tough guy, while Ray Allen was seen as a soft player who only shot jumpers.

The main reason for this was the sports media.

The New York Media hyped everything up so much that even Lewis, who didn't have a tough playing style and whose Defense was mediocre, was almost turned into a top rim protector!

Among the starting lineup, Allan Houston's treatment was even more exaggerated:

"The NBA's number one shooting guard!"

"…"

After Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, Game 2 would not officially start until three days later.

The schedule was particularly friendly, allowing the New York Knicks' veterans more rest time.

Because Ray Allen's straightforward comments during a pre-game interview upset the New York Media, and the Milwaukee Bucks lost Game 1, the column articles in several newspapers over the past two days began to sarcastically mock him:

"Facing a declining New York Knicks, Ray Allen is still that soft player who only shoots jumpers…"

What angered Ray Allen even more was that George Karl, his own Head Coach, not only didn't stand up for him but also fanned the flames after the game:

"I'm not surprised at all that we lost the game. I hope my players can show a tougher side in the game!"

"But until the game ended, I didn't see their desire to win. Some players played too softly!"

"…"

It was common for old-school coaches to scold and punish players.

Although the privileges of All-Stars were increasing, many teams still had the Head Coach calling the shots.

George Karl clearly wanted to motivate the Milwaukee Bucks, and he also applied Gary Payton's standards to Ray Allen, even though the two were not the same type of player at all.

From college onwards, Connecticut was not a Defense-oriented team.

Lee, like Ray Allen, started with Defense in his freshman year, but it was just a statement.

During the three-day rest period, veteran Sam Cassell helplessly discovered that the conflict between Ray Allen and George Karl had deepened.

In Milwaukee, it was fine for George Karl to complain to the local media a couple of times, as the influence of a small market was limited.

But saying such things in New York meant that everyone in the NBA knew about it.

Ray Allen had been giving George Karl the cold shoulder every day recently.

On April 26th, there were more reporters at the Tarrytown Training Center than New York Knicks staff.

With a potential three-peat on the line and the playoffs just beginning, almost all sports media had come to New York to join the excitement.

After the morning's film session, as the New York Knicks players were doing a simple warm-up, the training hall was surrounded by reporters holding cameras.

Jeff Van Gundy helplessly found that no matter what he said, someone would over-interpret it the next day, evaluating the opponent's tactics, and it would all turn into arrogant remarks disrespecting the opponent.

Facing this situation, Jeff Van Gundy simply remained silent during daily training sessions.

However, some tabloids still reported in the morning:

"Coach Van Gundy is already thinking about the next round's opponent."

The accompanying picture showed him standing courtside with his arms crossed, watching the players run plays.

To deal with the media, the New York Knicks held open training sessions every day, making it convenient for everyone to take photos and interview players.

This situation naturally disrupted the team's training plan, but the NBA is essentially a big show, and fans love to watch, so the team has to cooperate.

As soon as the afternoon training session ended, a large group of reporters swarmed around Lee.

Female reporters could no longer do this job, as people were pushing and shoving to hand over microphones.

Joe Nocera of the Wall Street Journal is a business columnist who primarily analyzes business events and the successes and failures of celebrity figures in the financial world.

After recently discovering Lee's investments, this reporter came to block the door every day.

This time, he finally got to Lee first and quickly asked loudly:

"Lee, what do you think about the current stock market decline? Do you think tech stocks will return to their March levels?"

"Can you give investors some confidence? We want to hear your opinion!"

As soon as Joe Nocera's question came out, he was quickly recognized by the surrounding reporters, and then shouts of protest erupted:

"Fuck! Still trying to trick us into buying more stocks? We all subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, and your articles are garbage!"

"…"

As America's most prestigious newspaper, most of the Wall Street Journal subscribers were middle-class and above.

Before the dot-com bubble, this professional newspaper also didn't provide much useful information.

American housewives bought stocks, and the reporters present naturally followed suit and invested.

Now that the bubble had arrived, everyone lost money, so naturally, they weren't in a good mood.

Hearing that they wanted to find confidence from him, Lee almost laughed.

It had reached the point of relying on metaphysics:

"I'm just a basketball player. I think you should interview Mr. Greenspan. The Federal Reserve Chairman should be able to give investors some confidence!"

Joe Nocera was speechless when he heard Lee also blame the Federal Reserve Chairman who announced the interest rate hike.

At the moment, this person had become the scapegoat.

Amidst some shouts, several reporters from the New York Times quickly pulled Joe Nocera behind them and changed the subject, asking:

"Lee, Shaq said after winning Game 1 that the Lakers would go 15-0 in the playoffs!"

Lee knew what the other party wanted to ask and quickly replied with a smile:

"With their clumsy triangle offense? I've played against the Chicago Bulls in the playoffs. They have no chance!"

"Phil Jackson is right, stats don't represent victory. Shaq should practice his free throws well. Scoring more points is much more useful than talking big."

The sports media surrounding them all burst into laughter.

Shaq lost the scoring title, and several New York newspapers sarcastically mocked him every now and then.

On the other side, Ewing, who had returned to the locker room, also had many people around him.

The Gorilla, in a good mood, was laughing and joking with everyone, but soon some reporters' questions became unwelcome:

"Pat, after this season, have you considered early retirement?"

"…"

On the evening of April 26th, Game 2 between the New York Knicks and the Milwaukee Bucks officially began.

At the TNT commentary booth, Marv Albert, free from scandal, made his first appearance at Madison Square Garden this season.

The game was in the latter half of the second quarter, and most of both teams' starting lineups had returned.

In the first quarter, the Milwaukee Bucks scored 35 points without any three-pointers.

Relying on long twos and mid-range shots after pick-and-rolls, the three hot shooters, who had found their rhythm, once again displayed excellent offense.

Milwaukee Bucks offense, Ray Allen drove to the basket, but his layup was interfered with by Ben Wallace and bounced off the rim.

Ben Wallace grabbed the rebound and immediately passed the ball to Lee, who was supporting him.

The New York Knicks launched another transition offense.

Marv Albert noticed Clay Lee speeding up and raised his voice, saying loudly:

"This is a showdown between Connecticut's All-Star guards! Oh! Lee has broken through Ray's Defense!"

Quickly arriving at the left wing, Lee, with the ball in his left hand, quickly performed a body-forward crossover.

The moment he switched to his right hand, while feinting to the right, he executed an extremely quick between-the-legs crossover.

Scooping the ball with his left hand and lowering his center of gravity, Lee barely slowed down.

He leaned into Ray Allen, who was sliding to defend, and while rotating his hips, he increased his stride and twisted his body to directly squeeze past the Defense.

Losing his defensive position, Ray Allen had no time to recover.

Lee had already rushed near the paint.

Williams, the big man who had retreated to the basket, moved to help defend, but he was completely spun around by Lee's large-scale spin move.

Turning to the lower right of the basket, Lee, with the ball in his right hand, easily scored with a scoop layup!

49:49, with 4 minutes and 11 seconds left in the half, the New York Knicks tied the score again.

"Wow!"

The cheers from the crowd were unstoppable again.

Watching Lee quickly retreat on Defense, Hubie Brown at the commentary booth praised him:

"Efficient and concise scoring. Lee's transition offense is fast and steady! The New York Knicks' counter-attack speed is getting faster and faster."

George Karl on the sidelines was very dissatisfied with Ray Allen's Defense.

After making a gesture, he signaled to continue speeding up the offensive rhythm.

Rafer Alston's position was replaced by Del Negro

The Streetball King was invisible in the last game and couldn't even get playing time tonight.

After the opponent crossed half-court, Lee immediately stuck close to him and constantly interfered with his hands.

Glenn Robinson, who was having a poor shooting night, was not on the court.

Ray Allen was currently posting up for the ball on the right block, and Sam Cassell was stopped on the left wing.

Tim Thomas and Johnson, the two big men, were at the free-throw line and near the left baseline respectively, spreading out the space.

As soon as Del Negro passed the ball, Ray Allen received it and immediately turned towards the baseline, intending to drive through.

Allan Houston immediately sealed off the baseline.

When met with contact, Ray Allen protected the ball and immediately switched to his left hand, preparing to drive up the court.

After only one step, seeing Lee suddenly come over for help defense, Ray Allen realized something was wrong, he was too close to the baseline.

With the two-man trap, Ray Allen's pass quality was terrible.

He barely managed to pass the ball out to Del Negro, who was waiting on the perimeter, but Kurt Thomas, who had been waiting for a long time, directly stole it.

Head Coach George Karl slapped his thigh, seeing Lee get the ball and the Milwaukee Bucks once again forgetting to press.

He angrily roared:

"Press! Defense! Don't let him make moves easily!"

The Head Coach seemed even more invested than the players.

The New York fans in the arena saw this situation and started to jeer and curse along.

Sam Cassell, receiving instructions, quickly motioned for Del Negro to switch positions.

After Lee crossed half-court, Sam Cassell started guarding him, using his forearm to body-check Lee.

Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, kept his side to protect the ball.

Approaching the three-point line, he suddenly twisted and accelerated.

Sam Cassell quickly shuffled his feet, their bodies collided, and Lee stopped abruptly, instantly completing a behind-the-back dribble.

After switching to his right hand, without giving the opponent too much time to adjust, Lee twisted again and accelerated for a breakthrough.

Sam Cassell still didn't lose his position and simultaneously started pulling.

In a blink of an eye, the two reached the free-throw line.

Lee's ball-protecting hand subtly pulled away the opponent's arm, and he secretly exerted force while stopping abruptly.

The two collided again.

Sam Cassell, who stopped abruptly, was pushed into a stumble.

It was too late to jump up and contest, as he watched Lee make a pull-up jump shot from the free-throw line!

49:51. The moment the score was surpassed, Madison Square Garden was filled with cheers.

George Karl called another timeout.

This old-school coach was very dissatisfied with his team's Defense, glaring at every player coming off the court.

Jeff Van Gundy, who was behind but still seemed nonchalant, was still clapping his hands with a smile.

They had already experienced the Milwaukee Bucks' scoring ability in the regular season.

The Head Coach didn't set up a complex game plan.

They just needed to maintain defensive intensity and wait patiently, and the opponent would miss shots on their own.

Back on the bench, Clay Lee high-fived everyone in celebration and reminded them:

"After the pick-and-roll, delay them. Don't let them easily shoot from below the free-throw line."

The Milwaukee Bucks' shooting touch declined in the second quarter, but at this point, they couldn't stubbornly stick to a drop Defense anymore.

Ben Wallace and Kurt Thomas both responded.

Their lateral movement speed was much better than the veterans, and they could handle such defensive tasks.

Clapping his hands, Lee again reminded Ron Artest, who was getting a lot of playing time:

"Ron, stick to Glenn Robinson's footsteps. Let him take jump shots, and remember to communicate with Ben in time!"

Glenn Robinson would most likely return to the court after the timeout.

Ron Artest, who had been slacking off, now perked up, patted his chest, and indicated that he was ready.

Allan Houston didn't need to be reminded.

The two had a good understanding.

For perimeter double-teaming the ball-handler, they just needed to refer to defending Michael Jordan.

Jeff Van Gundy, who was just observing, watched everyone huddle in a circle and didn't go to join the fun.

Only before going on court, he patted Lee's shoulder again.

After the timeout, Ray Allen found himself receiving the same defensive treatment as Michael Jordan.

When he received the ball with his back to the basket in the block, he would encounter help defense.

Ray Allen was not Michael Jordan after all.

Once his ball-handling speed was too slow, the Milwaukee Bucks' offense would be on the verge of a turnover.

As the game progressed, Sam Cassell began to give more opportunities to Glenn Robinson.

Glenn Robinson, who performed well in the first quarter, couldn't make shots against Ron Artest's on-ball Defense again.

After the New York Knicks continuously scored on fast breaks, and the score difference became 6 points, Glenn Robinson, who received the ball again on the left wing, simply drove hard into the paint against the Defense.

Approaching the paint, Glenn Robinson, holding the ball in his left hand, also quickly turned, came to the front of the basket, and took a right-handed floater, which was immediately rejected by a block from the help defender Ben Wallace.

The basketball was directly swatted out beyond the three-point line.

After Lee retrieved the ball, Sam Cassell immediately pressed up.

Their bodies collided, and the referee immediately blew his whistle.

"Squeak!"

Watching Lee walk cheerfully to the free-throw line, Sam Cassell only then realized that his team had entered the bonus.

Standing in place, hands on his hips in frustration, Sam Cassell looked at the big screen above and couldn't help but curse under his breath.

As Lee made both free throws, the score reached 49:57.

As the first half was nearing its end, the New York Knicks extended their lead.

In the last few possessions, both teams started missing shots again.

The Milwaukee Bucks scored 2 points from Tim Thomas's free throws.

51:59.

From a 5-point lead to being down by 8 points, a disappointed Head Coach George Karl turned and walked towards the player tunnel.

At the commentary table, Hubie Brown shook his head silently and could only simply comment:

"16 points in a single quarter. In the first half, the Milwaukee Bucks only played one good quarter. They still took too many jump shots."

Dick Stockton didn't care about the score difference.

Feeling the joyful atmosphere on site, he said with a smile:

"The Milwaukee Bucks still have a chance. Their shooting touch tonight is very good. an 8-point deficit is not big for them!"

After the second half began, seeing the Milwaukee Bucks suddenly continuously miss shots, Dick Stockton felt speechless.

The offense went cold again.

Ray Allen continuously missed shots, and soon everyone else followed suit.

At this time, the New York Knicks still hadn't brought back Ewing and Oakley.

Lee, with two big men who had better lateral movement speed, played faster and faster.

Watching Lee subtly pass the ball with his right hand while pushing the ball up the middle on a fast break, and Ron Artest, who followed up with a cut on the left wing, completed a two-handed dunk, the New York fans began to celebrate the victory prematurely.

Head Coach George Karl looked at his team, which had suddenly fallen into a scoring drought, and was completely speechless.

The timeout also had no effect.

He could feel that the players on the court were overwhelmed by the New York Knicks.

16:26 in a single quarter.

At the end of the third quarter, everyone on the Milwaukee Bucks' bench was silent.

67:85, the game had lost its suspense again.

"20 points is nothing" is a rare occurrence in the NBA.

Ewing, who only came on in the latter half of the third quarter, now came on to run down the clock.

Seeing the New York Knicks switch back to their starting lineup, George Karl waved his hand, letting the starters continue to play.

As soon as 4 minutes passed, he immediately put in the bench players.

Lee on the sidelines didn't relax, constantly standing up and signaling to the players entering the game to strengthen their Defense.

Marv Albert used to be the New York Knicks' home commentator and witnessed the team's rise.

At this moment, he said with particular emotion:

"Lee is not a player who cares about statistics. He knows what the game needs!"

"When opponents increase physical contact, he will also respond. Three-pointers are just one of Lee's scoring methods."

Hubie Brown also followed this topic and commented with a smile:

"Statistics can sometimes be deceiving, we all know that. Lee just plays smarter, maximizing his advantages on the court. I really like his performance this season!"

"Stat-padder" was the label the Los Angeles Media put on Clay Lee, which was also a hot topic these past few days.

In the fourth quarter, the Milwaukee Bucks' bench players did make a strong comeback, but there wasn't enough time left in the game.

93:110.

Two consecutive home wins, the New York Knicks successfully secured the series point!

The cheers in Madison Square Garden became especially piercing.

Ray Allen lowered his head and quickly walked towards the player tunnel.

For the New York fans, the first-round series was just an appetizer.

No one cared about the eighth-seeded Milwaukee Bucks.

After the game, Lee gave the interview opportunity to Ron Artest, who performed well tonight.

5-for-10 from the field, 2-for-5 from three, 2-for-4 from the free-throw line, 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal.

The Rookie Ron Artest had a great game.

Compared to the still somewhat shy Ron Artest, at the post-game press conference, Ray Allen once again transformed into a straightforward guy:

"I may never become a DPOY-level defender, but I will not change my playing style!"

"Although the team is in trouble, we will win the game when we return to our home court."

The New York media almost laughed out loud when they heard Ray Allen's speech, which pointedly criticized the head coach.

The series wasn't even over, and the other side was having internal strife.

"."

....

https://discord.gg/mjcCSyu7Yr

By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)