On November 30, 1996, Madison Square Garden was noisy again.
After the game, New York fans did not leave the field and continued to shout loudly to celebrate the end of the team's three-game losing streak.
After losing to the Hornets, 76ers, and SuperSonics, Jeff Van Gundy was increasingly questioned.
Charlie Ward's technical characteristics have been thoroughly understood by various teams, and his data has also shown a downward trend.
In this case, Li You's playing time finally exceeded 20 minutes.
The Knicks were beaten by the SuperSonics at home last time and were unable to fight back. They were outscored 36:23 in the third quarter and lost the game in one fell swoop.
Patrick Ewing was limited by the Sonics' highly mobile forward line to 2 of 15, scoring only 8 points and committing 4 turnovers...
Li You is considered the best player on the team. Although he was unable to break through inside, he scored a team-high 15 points with his performance of 4 of 6 from beyond the three-point line and 3 of 5 free throws.
Tonight, when they met the Kings, who had 5 wins and 10 losses since the start of the season, the Knicks once again played a vigorous offense, beating their opponents at home 99:115, ending their three-game losing streak.
MSG TV Network interviewed Li You immediately after the game. The commentator Marv Albert was in a good mood and was currently winning and smiling:
"18 years and 334 days old, Lee, tonight is another record night for you. Congratulations on becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 20 points and 10 assists!"
"This is an amazing record, how would you like to rate your performance?"
6 of 13, 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, 6 of 6 free throws, 21 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals and 2 turnovers. This is the data Li You handed over tonight.
Wiping the sweat on his head with his arm guard, Li You seriously doubted that the New York media was calculating his age every day. Recently, several newspaper media had blown him off...
"Records and statistics are not important. I would rate my performance tonight at 70 points. I missed some opportunities at the basket."
"Compared with the old players in the league, the confrontation is still a bit worse, but I have strengthened my strength training, and I hope I can become more comprehensive."
Football commentator John Andaris looked at the humble and confident Li You and cursed in his mind that Jeff Van Gundy was conservative in his employment:
"Li, it's a pity that you will miss out on Rookie of the Month with a high probability this month. Do you feel sorry for this? We all know that you are more efficient!"
Hearing that the sports commentator asked the question about the award again, Li You replied nonchalantly:
"With 10 wins and 4 losses, the team has started well. This is the most important thing. There are still five months left in the regular season, and I still have a chance to win this award."
"..."
The Knicks rested for five days at the end of November, and Patrick Ewing also recovered from the disastrous defeat in the game. He made 12 of 20 tonight and scored 29 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, without making any mistakes.
At the post-game press conference, Jeff Van Gundy and Ewing were questioned again.
Tonight the Knicks accelerated their pace across the board. The team took 86 shots. Charlie Ward only played 20 minutes. Instead, Li You played 27 minutes.
"We have the ability to play faster, our offense can get better, Jeff, why not keep playing like this?"
The reporter of the New York Times had always supported Jeff Van Gundy in the past, but after a disastrous home defeat to the Sonics, he also switched sides...
Only a month later, the hair on the top of Jeff Van Gundy's head became visibly thinner. Faced with such a question, he could only answer formulaically:
"Facing different opponents, the coaching staff will develop different game strategies."
"There are times when players are in poor condition. The regular season is very long. The final test is the team's discipline!"
"I just want to emphasize that defense wins championships, our goal is clear, and the regular season is for the playoffs."
After the playoffs, the media in the audience complained in their hearts, but they no longer made things difficult for the two of them.
Patrick Ewing happily looked at the changed faces of everyone, and felt quite comfortable. He is still the team's thigh!
...
On December 1, 1996, the NBA announced the best players for the first month of the season:
The Chicago Bulls achieved a record of 15 wins and 1 loss in November, and Michael Jordan was undoubtedly elected as the Player of the Month;
Averaged 35.9 minutes per game, 31.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.5 turnovers per game;
He averaged 24.4 shots per game, shooting 50.3% from the field, 3.3 shots from beyond the three-point line, and 37.7% from three-point range. He averaged 7.3 free throws per game and made 84.6% of his free throws.
Michael Jordan's statistics are unique among outside players, and his 50% field goal percentage is already as high as the sky!
Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone, who had won the Player of the Week before, could only be speechless when they saw this data. The Player of the Week might just be a consolation prize awarded to them by the league. ..
The Rookie of the Month for November was awarded to Allen Iverson of the 76ers:
The 76ers achieved a record of 7 wins and 8 losses in November. Iverson averaged 37.2 minutes per game, averaging 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.7 steals and 5.3 turnovers per game.
After the awards were announced, Philadelphia fans burst into laughter. Even though the team's record was mediocre, everyone believed in the process and the future was bright!
Taking advantage of the popularity, the New York media also followed suit and released Li You’s data for November:
Averaged 18.5 minutes per game, 13.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.4 turnovers per game;
He averaged 8.8 shots per game and shot 47.4% from the field. He took 4.8 shots per game from beyond the three-point line and shot 43.3% from three-point range. He averaged 2.8 free throws per game and made 85.8% of his free throws.
Compared with Allen Iverson's 42% field goal percentage and 36% three-point shooting percentage, Li You was more efficient. Finally, the New York media concluded:
"Jeff Van Gundy cost Lee Rookie of the Month..."
The 1997 All-Star Game in Cleveland opened voting on this day, and the Knicks took the opportunity to start fan activities.
Knicks Day is a daily event held by the team every year. Fans, players, coaches, and team celebrities will all be present.
The NBA will hold its 50th anniversary event during the All-Star Game, and the Knicks' legendary head coach Reid Holzman will definitely be included in the list of the top 15 coaches.
The old man is in poor health, so this fan event held at Madison Square Garden can also be regarded as a blessing event.
A few months after joining the team, Li You met general manager Ernie Grunfield for the first time.
Willis Reed and Walter Frazier, the famous players who led the Knicks to the championship, were also present.
The two were chatting and laughing with Ewing about the upcoming All-Star Game. All three of them were selected as the NBA's 50 greatest stars.
"Well done, Lee! Trust me, you'll get more playing time."
Wearing a formal suit and a tall figure, Grunfield smiled and handed the pie to Li You.
Li You has a clear understanding of his situation. The playing time is only part of the reason. The more reason is that he has to assist the old guy.
Facing the delicious pie, Li You didn't show much emotion:
"I don't care whether I start or come off the bench, winning is the most important thing!"
"Coach Van Gundy is a good man and I support whatever decision he makes."
"..."
Jeff Van Gundy, who was chatting with the coaching staff, frowned subconsciously when he saw Li You and Grunfield chatting happily:
"Head coach is really not a good job..."
