Chapter 60 Core Treatment (Part 2)

On January 15, 1997, the Knicks challenged the Spurs in back-to-back away games.

Since David Robinson only played 6 games since the start of the season before suffering a season-ending injury due to a back injury, the Spurs began to mess up like crazy.

The head coach was changed midway, and currently under the leadership of rookie Popovich, the Spurs have a record of 9 wins and 25 losses, slightly worse than the Celtics.

We need to continue to strengthen the efforts to display bad things!

Fans in San Antonio also know the team's situation, so most of the people who come to the Alamodome to watch the game only watch the opposing stars.

Ewing did not perform well in the last game. Jeff Van Gundy wanted the gorilla to feel bad, but the game almost overturned in the first quarter.

At 20:15, the Knicks only led by 5 points.

Ewing made 0 of 6 shots and Alan Houston made 2 of 7 shots. Li You kept making shots for both of them, but they just couldn't make the shots.

Fortunately, the Spurs are destined to lose, and Jeff Van Gundy is not in a hurry and rotates step by step.

In the game against the Rockets, Li You scored a team-high 22 points. He was forced to change his style of play after starting, but the overall impact was not significant.

Physically 19 years old, but mentally twice as old, Li You is not a young boy after all. He plays steadily and shows off, has a strong sense of opportunity, and is also very patient.

In the second quarter of the game, the two sides rotated their lineups. At this time, Li You, who was sitting on the bench, was wearing a blue training jacket, holding a tactical board, and explaining the offensive routine to Alan Houston:

"Move laterally and quickly reach the flank. If Charles' cover is not in place, you can break through smoothly. It doesn't matter if you fail to make an offensive shot, but you must take action resolutely!"

The big man screens in the elbow area, and No. 2 cuts laterally to the wing from near the baseline, and takes a quick shot after receiving the ball.

This tactic is very simple. In fact, it is the "Iverson Cut" that Larry Brown will often use in the future.

Li You drew several evolved routines on the tactical board. Alan Hughes nodded thoughtfully, but Charles Oakley was a little confused:

"What is this?"

The expression on the old guy's face has revealed some problems. It's okay to block it, but the subsequent operations will depend on the sky.

"When I successfully catch the ball on the wing, the opponent usually blocks my right hand. The moment I cut in with the ball in my left hand, pay attention to my movement. Once the opponent's defense shrinks, I will immediately distribute the ball."

"Be prepared to catch the ball, and there will definitely be an opportunity to score easily."

Li You re-explained the timing of passing the ball. This tactic is actually more suitable for him. It was specially prepared for the next game against the Suns.

The coaching staff did not customize tactics for him, so Li You had to make extra plays for himself. If he wanted to score efficiently, he had to rely on the cooperation of his teammates.

As a cheater, Li You has customized a development route for himself early on. In this era, it is a bit difficult to achieve "one star and four guarantees", but it is possible to achieve "one star and four guarantees".

The on-site director also discovered the interesting scene on the Knicks bench and frequently turned the camera to Li You. The home commentator also joked:

"It seems that the Knicks have a winning chance. Lee seems to have become the team's assistant coach. New York is really lucky to have drafted him with the 18th overall pick!"

"But San Antonio fans don't have to worry, the Spurs are also on the right path!"

In a game that was destined to be lost, the Spurs performed poorly and did not perform well throughout the game.

The fans who bought tickets at the scene didn't care, and even at the end of the game, there were a few cheers.

100:77, the main lineup clocked in for the third quarter, and the Knicks easily defeated the Spurs.

Popovich took the initiative to chat with Jeff Van Gundy after the game, and the two rookie coaches exchanged experiences with each other.

Patrick Ewing was in a somewhat unhappy mood. He played back-to-back games and continued his performance from the previous game. He made 5 of 14 shots and scored 20 points on free throws.

David Robinson, dressed in formal attire, shook hands with every Knicks player with a polite smile, and finally gave Li You a few words of encouragement:

"Well done, Li, remember to allocate your physical energy appropriately!"

Li You smiled and nodded, and then he was pulled away by Charles Oakley. The old guy didn't like the general's behavior very much:

"The game must be played without any reservations. Don't be a weakling to get ahead in the league!"

On January 18, the Knicks flew to Phoenix to challenge the Suns away from home.

After two days of rest, everyone took this opportunity to briefly practice the new offensive routine.

The tactics are not difficult either, the core is to give the ball to Li You.

The "good big brother" is very particular. He pats his chest and promises to fully support his little brother. The price is to go to the Gold Club next time and Li You will be responsible for paying the bill.

The Suns currently have a record of 13 wins and 25 losses this season.

Kevin Johnson, who had 20+10 points for three consecutive seasons, teamed up with Barkley to fight against the Bulls, and contributed to the famous dunk on Olajuwon, also began to struggle alone. After all, basketball belongs to five people.

Defenders with a strong playing style may be on the road to injury. Kevin Johnson has been injured for two consecutive seasons. He has returned from injury this season and is currently at the tail end of his peak.

The reporters in New York got angry before the game and brought up old things again, uncovering the Suns' double-standard workout with Li You. Naturally, Phoenix was at odds with this.

Thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi. No one expected that young Li You would adapt to the NBA so quickly.

During the locker room interview before the game, faced with the provocation of New York reporters, the hot-tempered Kevin Johnson showed the style of the future mayor of Sacramento:

"I think it was a misunderstanding. The Suns staff have always been very dedicated, and Phoenix welcomes everyone."

"I love this city, I love the fans in Phoenix, and I will always stay here!"

"."

Danny Ainge became the head coach of the Suns this season, and the starting lineup didn't make many adjustments that night.

Kevin Johnson and Wesley Person partner in the backcourt, Cedric Ceballos and Lauren Mayer are on the forward line, and Holt Rod Williams is the center.

After Barkley hugged his thigh, Cedric became the Suns' second scoring point this season.

Of course, Li You doesn't have to worry about defensive strikers. He only needs to pay attention to fouls in this game. Kevin Johnson on the opposite side has a strong impact.

After the home team's appearance ceremony, the atmosphere in the American West Arena became more and more enthusiastic. Regardless of the result, the local fans continued to support the home team.

"Defense!Defense!Defense!"

The moment Ewing succeeded in jumping the ball, the defensive shouts echoed throughout the arena.

Li You controlled the ball and quickly moved across the half court to the left wing. The cautious Kevin Johnson immediately stepped forward to defend.

So far in the regular season, no opponent has allowed Li You to play anymore. The Suns also conducted video analysis before the game, so they were naturally well prepared.

Larry Johnson, who returned to the starting lineup, quickly moved to the left elbow of the free throw line.

Seeing his teammates complete their movement, Li You immediately passed the ball across to Alan Houston at the top of the arc, and then quickly cut in horizontally from left to right.

In the left elbow area, "Big Mom" ​​first delayed Kevin Johnson. At the same time, Oakley's screen in the right elbow area of ​​the free throw line delayed the opponent's pursuit.

When Li You bounced to the right wing beyond the three-point line, Alan Houston immediately sent a cross pass.

After catching the ball, Li You didn't make any adjustments and immediately threw the ball!

Kevin Johnson had just caught up to Li You and had no time to block the shot, showing a surprised look.

"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!

Hearing the boos from the fans at the scene, Li You, who retreated on defense, looked calm and just gave his teammates a thumbs up.

Al McCoy, the veteran commentator at the Suns' home court, saw Li You scoring in the opening game and whispered helplessly:

"Bad shot selection! But Lee was in good shape tonight and made the shot."

"Stevie Nash, also a rookie this year, seems to be still adapting to the NBA. Coach Ainge thinks he is not ready yet."

As an old-school point guard, Kevin Johnson has never relied on shooting from beyond the three-point line.

When the Suns attacked, center Holt immediately came to the right elbow of the free throw line to cover.

On the right wing, Kevin Johnson took the ball with his left hand and quickly broke through to the free throw line with the help of his teammates' cover. He briefly got rid of Li You's pursuit and immediately stopped for a jump shot!

Ewing kept guarding the basket, guarding against the opponent's attack on the basket. The ball hit the basket, and the gorilla easily grabbed the rebound, and then quickly gave the ball to Li You.

Unlike previous games, the Knicks' transition attack was faster.

Kevin Johnson once again chose to delay the defense immediately, but Li You quickly gave the ball to Alan Houston who crossed the center line.

The latter caught the ball and went to the top of the arc. The Knicks' Li You and Larry Johnson also ran to the wings, one on the left and the other on the right.

Charles Oakley, who was lagging behind, was not in a hurry. When Alan Houston passed back to Li You and the opponent's defense was just in position, he came to the left wing and stood up to cover.

Li You, who maintained a triple-threat posture, swung right and left, lowered his center of gravity, released the ball with his left hand and quickly crossed over to break through.

The fans at the scene subconsciously exclaimed. There was no fancy shaking, but Kevin Johnson was still staggered. He made a wrong prediction and was passed by Li You.

Kevin Johnson immediately pursued the defense and moved to Li You's side again, constantly engaging in physical confrontation.

When approaching the paint area, Li You took advantage of the trend and jumped, using his body to deflect the defense, ignoring the opponent's block, and picked the basket with one hand with his left hand!

“My bowl!!”

After landing, Li You shouted and signaled to the referee that the opponent was fighting. He didn't get the whistle and didn't care, so he retreated quickly.

The big man Holt, who was stuck in the paint area, was still paying attention to Ewing's movements. Li You had already scored 2 points. Everyone in the Suns team looked at the boss for a while.

"Shhh!!"

Huge boos erupted at the scene. Kevin Johnson felt that he had lost face. After serving from the baseline, he made a face and took the blame:

"As for my problem, please retreat!"

Kevin Johnson, who missed a shot in the first round and wanted to regain face, changed his offense this time.
To be continued...