On October 25, 1996, that night at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks ushered in their last preseason game.
The Nets held the No. 8 pick this year and selected Villanova University's tall guard Corey Kidders.
If nothing unexpected happens, the Nets will most likely still be in trouble this year. They have lost 5 of the 8 preseason games, and it will be the same tonight. The "big bamboo pole" Sean Bradley, who is 2.29 meters inside, faces Ewing looked very weak.
"Big Bamboo pole" has a single offensive method, and his too thin body cannot do much to face the gorilla's strong attack on the basket.
In less than 7 minutes after the opening, the Knicks took a 6-point lead through steady scoring inside and several defensive counterattacks.
There were no defensive three seconds in the 1996-97 season, and Sean Bradley's role in protecting the basket gradually became more prominent. Larry Johnson made two strong attacks inside, but was blocked by interference.
The New York fans at the scene cheered loudly every time they saw Ewing catch the ball and beat Sean Bradley.
After catching the ball in the low post on the left, Ewing put the ball with his right hand and leaned back twice to get close to the basket. Then he walked up to the line and carried his opponent to the paint area.
With a feint of lifting the ball, Ewing easily deceived Sean Bradley's body center of gravity, took advantage of the time difference, swayed away from the defense, and made a light hook shot with his right hand!
"Whoa!" Two points from the basket were hit steadily.
While shaking his head and retreating from defense, Ewing once again demonstrated his dominance under the basket. In the commentary box, Marv Albert did not hesitate to praise him:
"The big man on the opposite side has nothing to do, 4-for-4, and Patrick has already scored 8 points on him. He attacks in the low post, feints, and breaks through the frame. Patrick can do everything tonight!"
On the Knicks bench, Li You also cheered and applauded with the newbies. Although the gorilla is old, he can still easily handle most centers in the league.
Rookie John Wallace has become completely familiar with Li You through these few preseason games:
"We have been practicing outside tactics in the past two days, and we agreed that Houston would attack first, but this is the result again!"
John Wallace complained under his breath, Ewing was asserting his sovereignty in the preseason, and Jeff Van Gundy's plans sometimes didn't change as quickly as they did on the field.
Li You, who was wearing a white training uniform, looked at the cute and cute boy next to him, covered his mouth and responded:
"If we take the lead early, we can still play for a few more minutes. Don't worry about these details. Alan himself has never complained."
Alan Houston is indeed very professional. After coming to the Knicks, in order to adapt to Jeff Van Gundy's tactics, in addition to strengthening defense, his shot rights also began to decrease.
Like Larry Johnson, both of their data will shrink this season!
The Knicks' offensive pace is still very slow in the starting lineup, and Jeff Van Gundy and the coaching staff failed to make any changes.
Starks and Charles Oakley are both veterans of the team and naturally support Ewing.
One of the two had the ball in his hand, and the other was helping Ewing fight hand-to-hand. Alan Houston and Larry Johnson couldn't take the ball away.
Among the guards, Charlie Ward was also selected by the Knicks. He is a rookie in his third year and a professional toady. He passes the ball to his big brother as soon as he comes on the court!
Jeff Van Gundy and his coach did practice some offensive routines, but as they continued to practice, they always returned to the Knicks' old ways.
Pat Riley left a deep imprint in New York, and to this day, the team's offensive tactics are still the same...
With 3 minutes and 42 seconds left in the first quarter, Li You replaced Starks and Buck Williams replaced Charles Oakley.
Li You, who had just appeared, received a baseline ball from Alan Houston, and the New York fans at the scene cheered.
In 7 preseason games, Li You can contribute beautiful passes or wonderful goals in every game.
Not only are local sports programs in New York editing these highlights, but Li You is also on ESPN's Sports Center program and appears on TV frequently!
During the preseason, the two who stole the show were Allen Iverson and Li You. Unlike other smaller guards, they were more aggressive and dribbling more fancy.
Amidst the cheers, Li You dribbled the ball across the half court with his left hand, reached the top of the arc, and immediately bounced the ball to Alan Houston on the left wing.
Although he got rid of the defense and had room to shoot after receiving the ball, Alan Houston did not complete the shot directly, but returned the ball to Li You again.
Li You caught the ball again at the top of the arc, and Ewing no longer fought with Sean Bradley in the paint and quickly came to the top of the arc to start a pick-and-roll.
Robert Parker is the Nets' starting No. 1 position. He knew Li You's style of play before the game, so he was naturally ready to squeeze through the screen at this time.
But the 6-foot-2 little guard had just moved his steps, and Li You, who had lowered his center of gravity to maintain a triple-threat posture, suddenly turned around and released the ball with his right foot as the axis.
Ewing's solid cover worked this time, and Li You got rid of the defense in an instant.
Facing the "big bamboo pole" Sean Bradley who came up after a delay, Li You, who was fishing for the ball with his right hand, pulled back with his crotch. While resetting his steps, he made a large in and out with his left hand.
Sean Bradley subconsciously took a step forward. Li You, who was shaking his body, suddenly changed direction quickly. The moment he grabbed the ball with his right hand, he made a cross-step breakthrough and passed the "big bamboo pole" in front of him in one step. .
"oh!!"
Li You's continuous dribbling and dribbling and clean passing made the New York fans at the scene shout excitedly.
At this time, the Nets' defense shrank instantly, and Li You, who broke into the paint area, did not force the attack. He took advantage of the situation and threw the ball to the upper left side of the basket with his right hand.
Larry Johnson, who cut in without the ball from the left, leaped high, picked up the ball in the air, and slammed the basket with both hands!
"Boom!" Alley-oop dunk succeeded!
The wonderful cooperation immediately ignited the Madison Square Garden Arena.
Many New York fans who were new and tired of the old stood up and clapped and cheered. While showing their smiling faces, they also burst into the loudest cheers of the game.
At 18:24, the Knicks continued to lead.
Counting the ball just now, Larry Johnson only scored 4 points in the first quarter:
"Li, you passed it beautifully, please do it a few more times!"
When Li You heard the request, he just raised his eyebrows in Ewing's direction. This kind of attack requires space...
Larry Johnson stopped talking. The two celebrated with high fives and quickly returned to defense.
The center plays a very important role on the court. On the defensive end, Ewing defended the opponent's low attack at the basket, and then turned around and assisted Li You to complete the three-pointer at the top of the key in the positional offense.
As long as Ewing is willing to assist, the quality of protection can be greatly improved.
Nets guard Kendall Gill just scored a three-pointer at the buzzer. The Knicks quickly made a baseline pass, and Li You dribbled the ball across half court with his right hand.
Slowing down at the top of the arc, Li You suddenly dribbled the ball from his hips. While lowering his center of gravity, he immediately circled the ball behind his back.
While grabbing the ball with his right hand, Li You immediately pressed his shoulders to break through, grabbed half of his body, and rushed through the three-point line while carrying the defense.
After two big steps in the middle, Li You jumped up and threw the ball. The ball flew straight to the left wing. Alan Houston, who had just bounced outside the three-point line, received the ball and quickly made a jump shot!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!
Respond to the ball! Smooth attack! The New York fans at the scene shouted happily again.
Alan Houston gave Li You a thumbs up, indicating that the pass was good. Li You smiled and fist bumped with Ewing who was returning to defense.
The high-quality cover of the big center can solve many problems. Li You looked at Ewing who was in excellent condition and sighed secretly:
"If the old guy can be willing to help, the Knicks will definitely achieve better results!"
