The Way of Basketball: Never Talk Shit to Him!

Why does LeBron, knowing his shooting ability isn't great, remain unwilling to develop his shooting skills?

If he had some shooting ability, wouldn't that make his breakthrough even sharper?

Especially with this year's rule changes, it would be even more so...

Once opponents are wary of his shooting ability, they won't keep such a large distance, allowing him to complete the first breakthrough step more quickly.

Therefore, he truly can't comprehend it.

Kenny Smith said: "Actually, this season LeBron's shooting has stabilized a lot, it's just... as usual, for some reason, when he meets Su Wan, he hesitates to shoot!"

"Clang!"

As soon as Kenny Smith finished speaking, LeBron gritted his teeth and charged toward the paint.

His attitude was determined enough!

But as Bill Walton said, the New York Knicks' positioning was really too targeted, they were like a wall standing in front of LeBron.

LeBron's assault was like a train, but hitting a wall isn't an easy task.

This time, he protected the ball, preventing Su Wan from stealing it midway.

However, in the end, the forced shot hit the rim and bounced out.

Howard and Tyson Chandler scrambled for the ball, taking the initiative.

This season Tyson Chandler's form has somewhat declined, likely due to natural aging, while Howard has entered the peak of his physical prowess. This was the second time in the first quarter alone Howard used his physical abilities to outmatch Tyson Chandler, something rarely seen in the past.

But Dior was the first to come over, intercepting him, while Su Wan and Kevin Garnett fought for the rebound and once again successfully secured it.

"Damn!"

Kevin Garnett felt frustrated once more.

New York Knicks' counterattack.

This time the Forest Wolves' defense transitioned promptly, Su Wan directly passed the ball to Dior.

The "French Magician" quickly processed the situation, and just as Paul George walked past, made a seamless move, passing the ball to Paul George's hands.

George ran a step forward and suddenly realized a ball had appeared in his hands.

Just dribbled once.

"Bang!"

Slam dunk!

The basket shook.

The pressure in the arena intensified.

Dior pointed a finger skyward, his lazy expression causing people to subconsciously think of Tracy McGrady.

The same aura, different style, and varying influence on the court.

With that play, Dior led the New York Knicks to finish the first quarter with a 14-point advantage.

If the Forest Wolves hadn't regained form in the last few minutes, the lead would have been even greater.

Howard's expression was on the verge of tears, privately he enjoyed this kind of "man-on-man hamburger", but on the court, it really made him uncomfortable. He never hated men as much as at this moment!

It's really...

Uncomfortable!

LeBron James' expression remained sullen.

Philip called him over: "Buddy, where's your shot? Why haven't I seen you take a shot this game? Trust me, your shooting stability this season is better than the previous two; you can confidently take three-point shots!"

Actually, LeBron's issues in the first quarter were not as simple as not shooting.

He had concerns on both the breakthrough and defensive ends.

Of course, this was understandable; he got two fouls right off the bat.

Considering LeBron's mental resilience, his cautiousness was completely understandable.

This was why Philip didn't mention it.

The most crucial thing, compared to sharp breakthroughs and more active defense, was that shooting was the most effective weapon to disrupt the opponent's wall-like defense.

Bill Walton also pointed this out.

So when ESPN interviewed LeBron during the break, they asked, "Facing the opponent's wall-like defense, LeBron, don't you think you should shoot more from the outside rather than continually trying to break through?"

Faced with the same suggestion from Philip, LeBron didn't speak; he simply said, "We'll find a way to solve this problem!"

What a pointless answer!

The ESPN reporter couldn't help but internally complain.

Soon afterward, the second quarter officially began.

Both sides started with their substitute lineups, but after less than three minutes, the Forest Wolves had already sent all their starters back on the court.

Jimmy Butler and Little Thomas have made significant strides this season, and with Ray Allen clearly above rotation capability, this season the New York Knicks boast the deepest bench in the league.

Compared to them, the Forest Wolves, who gambled big on their Three Giants during summer, clearly didn't have as much depth.

LeBron's first play in the second quarter involved a breakthrough layup in coordination with Howard, scoring successfully and generating huge cheers from the crowd.

For the Forest Wolves fans who endured through a stagnant first quarter, such a fluid offensive play was precisely what they wanted to see.

Tyronn Lue raised his hand to substitute players, putting all the starters on the court.

LeBron continued to run pick and roll with Howard.

This time when Howard rolled to the basket, LeBron aggressively attacked the rim with the ball.

LeBron's explosive power was evident, but Su Wan still managed to establish position before him, forcing LeBron to "emergency brake", his entire body swerving to the right, launching a terribly awkward jump shot.

"Clang!"