For Li You, the most uncomfortable thing when entering the league is that there are too many small players against him.
Kevin Johnson is only 1.85 meters tall. His playing style is more explosive than Stockton's, and he has a bit of a combo guard.
The common feature between the two is that they have rich defensive experience, and at the same time, they also have a lot of small moves.
After a game, the ball protector must work hard to protect the basketball. At the same time, a simple pick-and-roll may not produce the desired effect every time.
After Kevin Johnson adapted to Li You's style of play, the experienced old-school guard would secretly stretch his thighs once he found himself about to lose his position when squeezing the screen...
This trick is extremely easy to use. Li You's dribbling rhythm was disrupted several times. Once he failed to get rid of the defense, the opponent would immediately entangle him.
The two competed frequently, and the Suns fans at the scene also booed.
This is also a feature of basketball in this era. In individual rounds, everyone wants to see players not running tactics and competing against each other based on their personal abilities.
In other words, it's a "blind chicken fight"!
In the last round, Li You just caused a defensive foul and made two free throws. Kevin Johnson suddenly changed his defensive strategy and began to lead the defense.
Li You, who was accelerating with the ball in his right hand, couldn't get close to the center line, so he quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, took advantage of the opponent's sliding defense, and immediately turned around quickly.
After grabbing the ball again, Li You simply moved sideways to protect the ball, first made an emergency stop, then held the ball in his right hand and dribbled across the half court against the defense.
Near the three-point line at the top of the arc, Kevin Johnson pressed again. While cutting the ball, the two had a physical confrontation. After bumping into each other, they separated some distance.
Li You, who was keeping his side to protect the ball, saw Kevin Johnson lowering his center of gravity and getting close to the defense. He felt the pressure coming from his waist and cursed in his heart.
Li You moved two steps to the right flank. At this time, both players consciously opened up the attacking space.
Kevin Johnson stared closely at Li You's movements, blasting the ball vigorously on the spot. Li You, who was sideways to protect the ball, shook his shoulders back, then twisted and pushed the ball, accelerating in a simple and rough straight line.
Kevin Johnson, who reacted extremely quickly, immediately re-adjusted his body's center of gravity and slid to the left rear.
Unable to get rid of the defense, Li You broke through to the right elbow area of the free throw line, quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, and at the same time used force with his feet to complete the retreat.
With a space to shoot, Li You quickly combined the ball and immediately stopped at the elbow to shoot a jump shot!
Kevin Johnson knew that he was out of position, so he didn't touch the ball after jumping up, and directly hit Li You on the arm...
"squeak!!"
The referee immediately blew the whistle, indicating two free throws, and the attack was destroyed. Li You walked quickly to the free throw line with a sullen face, and cursed in his heart:
"This "iron-blooded" defense comes again!"
The fans at the scene followed suit and cheered. Obviously, everyone was very satisfied with this tough defense.
Using rough fouls to destroy the offensive player's touch, Kevin Johnson played in an old-school way. He kept nodding and high-fiving while taking free throws, beckoning the fans at the scene to increase their interference.
Also making two free throws, Jeff Van Gundy saw the growing tension between the two sides and immediately replaced Li You and Charles Oakley.
20:15, with 2 minutes left in the first quarter, the Knicks still lead by 5 points.
Returning to the bench, Oakley just sat down and patted Li You on the shoulder:
"You performed well and you know how to pass the ball. I'll pay for your next event!"
Seeing the old guy's expression of "You know what's going on", Li You remained calm on the surface and said modestly:
"I am a point guard. Of course I have to pass the ball and attack aggressively for effective organization."
Although the "good big brothers" promised to let him fight freely, Li You was not stupid. If he really regarded these old guys as blue-collar workers, he would probably not get any good results.
Walter McCarty on the side showed an envious expression again, he also wanted such treatment.
Regarding this doormat, Li You really wanted to shout "Picture", what is there to envy for a tool man...
Suns home commentator Al McCoy saw that his star was not feeling well tonight and failed to tie the score at the end of the first quarter. He sighed helplessly:
"We still need some patience. KJ is a real warrior and he will get back to his best."
Kevin Johnson made 0 of 2 in a single quarter, 4 of 4 free throws, 4 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists. It seemed that he was not losing points on the scene, but his statistics did not keep up.
At 26:21, the first quarter ended, and the Suns, playing at home, were still 5 points behind.
Patrick Ewing, who played the entire first quarter, returned to the bench in a good mood. Li You made 3 of 5 in a single quarter, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, 2 of 2 free throws, 10 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists, including 2 The assists are all for him.
This proves that Mengxin has a boss in his heart. Ewing feels that Li You is not bloated, which is in line with his wishes:
"Take a few more shots in the second quarter, Lee, we are still ahead, let's attack!"
During the break, the gorilla also encouraged Li You and told him not to go back on what he had promised.
After Chris Childs played 3 minutes and 46 seconds in the second quarter, Li You took the rotation again.
At this time, the score had reached 34:26, and the Knicks widened the point difference to 8 points.
Veteran Buck Williams was in excellent form tonight. During his time on the court, he had already grabbed 2 offensive rebounds.
The Suns only replaced Kevin Johnson and center Hoard in opposite positions. Rex Chapman and Danny Manning, who came on the rotation, were not feeling good, and the offense frequently struggled.
Li You played less than 2 minutes after his appearance, and Ewing, who was sitting on the bench, felt a slight twitch in the corner of his eye.
It was also a pick-and-roll attack. Veteran Buck Williams continued to take advantage of the situation. After opening the inside, Li You converted a three-pointer. After running without the ball, he caught the ball and hit a quick mid-range shot.
Ewing can naturally see that Li You is in better shape on the bench.
Veteran Buck and rookie Walter obeyed the command. Under double cover, it was easier to score without the ball. Li You drove the pace of the game faster and faster.
Protecting the rebound in the backcourt and switching offense, Li You held the ball with his left hand, advanced quickly in the middle, and passed the ball behind his back without looking at anyone. From the right wing, Starks, who started to slow down as he approached the three-point line, caught the ball and threw it!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!
On-site commentator Al McCoy was not in the mood to talk about "bad shot selection" anymore.
The Knicks suddenly accelerated the pace of the game, and the point difference reached 11 points.
Starks was so excited that he bumped chests with Li You in celebration. He quickly switched offense and scored easily. Who wouldn't love it?
Kevin Johnson, who was back on the rotation, didn't expect the Knicks' perimeter to suddenly let themselves go.
Playing more and less in transition and still shooting three-pointers? This is simply unreasonable!
Newbie Walter McCarty only recovered from his excitement when he was substituted:
"It feels great playing with Lee, how many points did I score?"
On the bench, John Wallace heard the doormat's question and said calmly:
"2 of 3, and also made 2 free throws, 6 points, a career high!"
Walter McCarty felt that he should have scored more points. After coming on the court, he touched the ball frequently and even had the illusion of becoming the main attacker.
However, this feeling was quickly forgotten by the newbie McCarty, who was more concerned about his treatment in the team:
"No mistakes. Let's see what excuse Oakley has this time. It's time for me to get out of my chores!"
Charlie Ward on the side was a little depressed. Seeing the two people discussing the game there, he felt extremely sad:
"Obviously I am the coach's favorite player..."
