On November 7, 1996, after a day of rest, the Knicks ushered in back-to-back away games this week.
Patrick Ewing may be too old. After competing with O'Neal, his body did not return to its best condition in just two days.
On the night of the 7th, at the San Jose Arena, Li You got his first chance to start this season.
Facts have proved that as long as he is paired with Ewing, it is not too difficult for a defender to get assist data.
The Gorilla, who was in average physical condition, did not frequently attack in the low post when facing the inside combination of Joe Smith and Todd Fuller. Instead, he used his rich experience to simply throw after getting stuck.
Near the two paint areas on the left and right of the basket, Patrick Ewing showed a very high shooting percentage.
Li You, who starts the game, doesn't have to do much. He only needs to send the pass at the right time to get an assist...
In the end, Patrick Ewing swept away the decline of the previous game in this game, shooting 14 of 20, scoring 33 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 4 turnovers!
He blasted the Warriors' inside line with a 70% shooting rate.
Li You, who played 35 minutes, also produced very good data:
5 of 8, 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, 4 of 4 free throws, 16 points, 3 rebounds, 14 assists, 1 steal and 2 turnovers.
At 109:100, the Knicks successfully defeated their opponents, and the Warriors lost their third consecutive game.
Jeff Van Gundy also realized that Li You could play like a traditional point guard.
Dribble across the half court, deliver the pass at the right moment, attract double-teams inside, catch the ball from the outside and hit the shot...
The key to improving Ewing's shooting percentage is to eat more pie. After the singles environment is improved, it will be easy to educate the new players on the opposite side.
The most exciting shot of this game is when Li You held the ball in his right hand and quickly dribbled across the half court during the transition attack. On the left wing outside the three-point line, facing the defense of the Warriors' Latrells Prewell, three Pushing the ball at the point line changes to pulling back under the crotch;
The moment he broke away from the defense, Ewing came down from the middle. Li You immediately threw the ball to the top of the basket with one hand. The gorilla easily caught the ball and dunked!
After the game that night, the sports media in New York were in a collective climax. The game was so smooth!
But before he could get enough of it the next day, Jeff Van Gundy fed the New York media...
88:81, after a hard battle in overtime, the Knicks defeated the Clippers with difficulty.
Charlie Ward returned to the starting lineup, and Alan Houston continued to play in back-to-back games. Relying on Ewing's low post attack and precise free throws, the Knicks finally closed the game.
5 of 12, 20 points, 19 rebounds, 1 steal, 7 blocks and 8 turnovers, Ewing once again became the team's winner!
Li You only played 16 minutes in this game, and the time was cut to pieces. He made 3 of 6, 1 of 3 from beyond the three-point line, 2 of 2 free throws, and scored 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists...
Although they won the game, the New York media didn't buy it. While criticizing Van Gundy, they criticized Starks again.
The veteran played 37 minutes that night. The more critical moments came, the more Jeff Van Gundy trusted the veteran.
2 of 13, 1 of 10 from beyond the arc, 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 turnovers, Starks dreamed of returning to the Finals...
No matter what the New York media thinks, Jeff Van Gundy still insists on his own employment. He just wants to try out the best combination.
On November 10th, the Knicks flew to Vancouver again to challenge the Grizzlies away from home, who had lost 5 consecutive games since the start of the season.
There was no suspense in the game. In the third quarter, the Grizzlies' offense failed. After a 12-0 run, the Knicks sealed the victory.
103:82, the Knicks defeated the Grizzlies and successfully won their third consecutive victory.
At the end of the first week of games, the Knicks had 5 wins and 1 loss. Jeff Van Gundy had an excellent record. In this regard, the New York media could only complain that the game was ugly.
In the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have a record of 6 wins and 0 losses, followed closely by the Knicks. Even the pickiest New York fans cannot fault the team's performance.
On November 11, after returning to New York, Li You breathed a sigh of relief.
The intensive schedule keeps the team flying back and forth, and anyone will be tired after three consecutive away games.
The coaching staff announced a day off, but Li You continued to come to the arena for training step by step.
The team’s staff also had to continue working. Equipment manager Old Mike cheerfully prepared training equipment for Li You:
"Young people are still energetic. It's rare to see players taking the initiative to train in recent years!"
"Lee, you will definitely become a big star. If you were on the team last year, Nelson probably wouldn't have fired him. He would definitely like a talented player like you."
The reason why Nelson was dismissed from get out of class was because of his disagreement with Patrick Ewing. Last year, the New York media gossiped about this matter every day, and Li You naturally followed suit.
"Van Gundy is a good guy. He actually cares about the players. I can understand the coach's situation."
Li You will not complain about his playing time in front of the team staff, and will continue to carry the basketball with a smile.
Old Mike didn't care, he just liked chatting with young people and continued to gossip with Li You:
"Actually, Nelson has a good vision. Mason was reused last year. Even in the playoffs, the young people performed well."
"He shouldn't have proposed trading Pat at the beginning. Of course, maybe Nelson was right. O'Neal was indeed younger and an excellent big man, but there was a conflict between the star and the head coach, and the end result was that the coach was fired."
"Stacks doesn't like Nelson either, but to be honest, sometimes the team should make changes as early as possible..."
Li You just smiled, nodded in agreement, and didn't say much. When chatting with older people, he usually acted as a listener.
After coming to the Knicks, Li You learned a lot about the team's internal situation from the staff.
The main reason why Jeff Van Gundy became Ewing's lover was to keep his position as head coach.
Old Nelson's seniority has not shaken Ewing. Jeff Van Gundy was just Pat Riley's follower before, let alone the team's number one star.
Let Ewing play comfortably and the Knicks' record can be guaranteed. Jeff Van Gundy is very smart and can continue to be the head coach if he keeps the team's lower limit.
As for the championship? Then it depends on God’s will!
In Li You's view, Ewing's style of play is "you'd better all come to assist me." There is nothing wrong with this style of play, but the gorilla is not Olajuwon and often cannot carry the offense...
When Alan Houston came to the arena, he found that Li You had already completed one round:
"Allen Iverson spends like crazy when he comes to New York. Sometimes it feels like you don't look like a young man at all!"
Alan Houston, who was wearing a training uniform, made fun of Li You's boring life.
Li You was very helpless about this. He just didn't like nightclubs with too many black elements. Chanting gave him a headache:
"Young people have to be tough on themselves. I still want to get a big contract in three years!"
After joking with each other for a few times, the boring basic training began.
Alan Houston is still a little uncomfortable with the team's system. His shooting percentage in these games has been just over 30%, while Li You's playing time has been cut into pieces and his performance has been mediocre.
Neither of them complained, they just waited silently for the opportunity. The regular season is very long, and time is on the side of the young people...
