On May 20, 1998, the sports section of the New York Times published "The end of the Bulls dynasty."
Needless to say, the Bulls' popularity as a team that has won three consecutive championships. The second three consecutive championships is what many fans are looking forward to seeing. Bulls fans went crazy as soon as this column came out.
Even in New York, there are die-hard fans who like the Bulls. After all, the Knicks have been eliminated every year, so it is normal to be defeated.
In terms of schedule, after the tiebreaker of the Eastern Conference semifinals, they had to rest for more than a day before playing an away game. The Bulls' loss was not surprising.
But many media have different standards for Michael Jordan. At the post-game press conference, the media did not mention physical fitness or away games at all, but simply asked:
"I don't feel good shooting, why don't I pass the ball more?"
Michael Jordan will be questioned like this every time he plays inefficiently. Therefore, when returning to such boring questions, Michael Jordan never explains too much:
"I believe the next shot will hit and the Bulls will adjust."
"."
This confident answer was automatically ignored by the New York media. With only one day of rest, the Bulls wanted to adjust and daydream!
There was no game on May 20, and the previously bloated Los Angeles media was silent.
The old basketball of the Jazz really couldn't limit O'Neal. In the G2 game, the Sharks made 14 of 21 shots and scored 31 points efficiently, but they still lost.
In the crucial game, the Lakers made 4 of 16 from the outside, but Utah's double-double performance was stable. Malone made 12 of 18 and Stockton made 9 of 12. The two scored 55 points together and finally took away the game!
After losing G1 by a big score, no one on the Bulls was in the mood to pay attention to the Western Conference Finals. Phil Jackson and the coaching staff stayed up late in the hotel to watch the game video.
But after watching it, several people were speechless. Throughout the game, the Knicks did not have complicated tactics, just more pick-and-rolls, more transition offenses, fierce screens, and excellent offensive rebounds.
Assistant coach Jimmy Rogers has been in the NBA for many years and has also coached the Celtics and Timberwolves for two seasons. After watching the video, he sighed helplessly:
"Our defensive intensity has dropped, and the other team is just shooting better than us, from the starters to the bench."
These words left the other three assistant coaches speechless. Considering the team's situation, Phil Jackson finally frowned and said:
"We still have time to adjust, finish G2, take two days off and return to home court. What we have to do now is to ensure the health of the players."
"How's Scotty doing?"
Assistant coach Bill Cartwright, who has just joined the team for two years, responded immediately:
"There is no back discomfort and no physical issues whatsoever."
Phil Jackson was relieved and was in good health. Now all he has to do is make a thick pot of chicken soup for the soul of the Bulls!
Although this is of no use in restoring physical fitness, the mental victory method may stimulate players to explode. As long as someone explodes, the game will be played.
Compared to the Bulls, who are drinking thick chicken soup, the Knicks are just conducting recovery training step by step.
From a regular season perspective, the Knicks are the better team, which is where Jeff Van Gundy's confidence comes from!
During the regular season, averaging 101.1 points per game, the Knicks' offensive firepower was second only to the Lakers.
The average number of turnovers per game is only 13.5, ranking first in the league.
In the afternoon, the bald young marshal hung up on the sidelines, shouting twice from time to time to give himself a sense of presence.
Instead of nagging and delivering chicken soup as usual, Jeff Van Gundy feels that the home game is already stable!
Ewing and Oakley are still practicing free throws. When mid-range shots are unreliable, drawing fouls is also a good way to score.
After playing for so many years, the old guy also knows that missing one or two free throws will affect the outcome of the game. One more point will increase the chance of winning. It never hurts to practice free throws.
"There are two days of rest in the middle, which gives the Bulls a chance. The league's schedule is really unreasonable!"
After winning a game, Larry Johnson began to calculate the subsequent schedule on his fingers.
"Auntie" can't wait to play four games in a row and completely defeat the Bulls.
Alan Houston has already seen the schedule, and he is well prepared for this series:
"We have the advantage after playing 7 games, and we will return to home court in the end. This is much better than last year!"
The newly joined team’s atmosphere team has not experienced last year’s series, but that doesn’t stop everyone from flattering them:
"The Bulls are tired and can't reach 7 games in the series!"
"We can sweep our opponents, but Michael Jordan can't!"
Li You shook his head secretly. In his opinion, the Knicks were the better team, with leading statistics and more physical fitness.
In this case, there is no need for self-comfort or any mental victory method. If you strictly implement the game plan, you will naturally win.
"Unless the Bulls take drugs collectively, we will definitely win tomorrow's game!"
After hearing Li You's words, everyone burst into laughter and suddenly felt relieved.
There was no need to adjust tactics. Everyone knew how to play the game. Near the end of the training session, Jeff Van Gundy clapped his hands and said:
"Go home and have a good sleep. Tomorrow night, win another game, go to Chicago, and we will end the series!"
"."
After Madison Square Garden opened on May 21, the New York media wanted to interview everyone on the Bulls before the game, but Phil Jackson stopped them again.
"Phil, after the Bulls lose, will you stay on the team and continue to coach?"
"If the Bulls don't renew your contract, where are you going to go next?"
Hearing these irritating questions, Phil Jackson lost his smile and just emphasized repeatedly:
"I'm completely focused on the Eastern Conference Finals and not thinking about anything else."
"."
After more than a day's rest, everyone on the Bulls breathed a sigh of relief. Before the game started, in the visiting team's locker room, McQueen did not give any chicken soup to his teammates.
Inaccuracies from beyond the three-point line occurred in the regular season. Instead of believing that his teammates suddenly exploded in a game, Michael Jordan still felt that his shooting was more reliable.
No one had much communication before the game. They had experienced too many Eastern Conference finals, and everyone knew how to win the game.
The Madison Square Garden Arena was already full before the game started, and some seats were temporarily opened. There were 20,000 fans in attendance tonight.
The high ticket prices have not stopped enthusiastic fans from visiting New York and watching a Knicks game. This is a must-do for many tourists when they come to this city.
"Wow!"
It was an unremarkable appearance ceremony, with only huge cheers to greet the Knicks players.
Li You bumped fists with his teammates one by one and waited calmly for the singing session to end.
Since the starting lineups of both sides have not changed, Walter Frazier gave his opinion quite confidently in the MSG commentary box:
"As long as the Bulls can't respond on the outside, we can continue the defensive strategy from the last game!"
"Maybe Michael Jordan will regain his touch, but he can't beat the Knicks alone."
Commentator Mike Breen didn't give a damn, but gave a brief introduction to the Bulls' possible rotation:
"Similar to the G1 game, Luke Longley's playing time may be reduced."
"Of course, it depends on the pace of the game tonight, and I believe the Knicks will continue the strategy from the last game."
In the final warm-up period, Michael Jordan was extremely serious and kept hitting jump shots, which caused boos in the audience.
The referee signaled the players from both sides to come to the center of the field, Madison Square Garden, and cheers resounded throughout the arena:
"Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks!"
Ewing and Longley stood in the center circle and saw the basketball being thrown high, and the gorilla pushed the ball to half court.
Successfully jumping to the ball, Harper immediately led the defense in front of Li You who was receiving the ball.
First, he continued to interfere and delay the advancement. After halftime, Harper hung beside Li You, holding his waist with his right hand and sliding continuously.
Quickly approaching the three-point line, Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, also began to protect the ball sideways. Except for Alan Houston at the top of the arc, most of the other three players on the Knicks were concentrated in the left half.
Several people were not thinking about catching the ball in their positions. At this time, they were preparing to squeeze towards the basket and rush for rebounds.
Almost stepping on the three-point line, Harper once again cut the ball to interfere, lowering his center of gravity. Li You, who had been protecting the ball from his side, suddenly twisted his body back quickly, then retrieved the ball with his right hand, and suddenly leaned forward to accelerate.
Taking a big step forward, while Harper slid to the left and back, Li You immediately crossed and pulled back. After switching to his left hand, he paused slightly, mobilized the opponent's defensive focus, quickly completed the change of direction under the crotch, and then used his right hand Hold the ball and accelerate with all your strength.
After a sudden stop and start, Harper was knocked out of half of his position by Li You and was forced to slide continuously to the right block.
During the march, Li You quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, switched to his left hand and pushed his shoulder to break through, approaching the paint area. Harper, who had readjusted his defensive focus, saw Li You quickly turn around, and the defense could no longer keep up.
Relying on the opponent's defense, Li You immediately joined the ball after turning around, faced the defense, and threw the ball toward the backboard with his right hand!
"Bang!"
Li You succeeded with a high-beating throw after continuous changes!
The Bulls' two big men inside were busy blocking and had no time to help defend. Harper reluctantly raised his hand to indicate that it was his problem.
The simple and crude single score immediately made the fans cheer loudly. Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines smiled and clapped his hands, loudly calling for the players to retreat.
Playing singles with the ball and continuously changing directions will naturally consume more physical energy, but Li You doesn't care at all. Before this round of the series, he had too much rest time!
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
The Bulls' offense is still the same, with Harper dribbling less and Pippen acting as the organizer. He slowly catches the ball from the baseline for half a court while waiting for his teammates to complete the position.
Having learned the lesson from the previous game, Michael Jordan no longer caught the ball at the elbow area. He blocked the ball on the left side and quickly slid down the baseline from left to right.
With the help of Longley's cover near the baseline on the right, Michael Jordan quickly bounced out to the right block.
Pippen, the right wing, sent a pass and began to move on the three-point line. Longley quickly moved to the left near the baseline, and Kukic came to the free throw line to open up space.
Li You followed Harper on the right wing and noticed that Michael Jordan broke through toward the baseline after receiving the ball. He immediately realized that the opponent must be a singles jumper.
After quickly releasing the ball, Michael Jordan only took two big steps, and then suddenly stopped suddenly, near the baseline on the right side, and drifted to the right to complete a fadeaway jumper!
"Whoa!" The two-point ball hit the net!
"Shhh!!"
Seeing Michael Jordan score a goal in a sports match in the first round, huge boos immediately erupted from the scene.
Deeper in the position, Michael Jordan no longer showed off his low-post footwork, but instead accelerated the offensive rhythm and completed the shot faster.
In the first round, the Knicks did not complete the double-team defense, and everyone did not care and continued to run tactics step by step.
In this attack, Li You also handed over the ball after halftime. After Ewing came to the top of the arc to receive the ball, he immediately moved quickly laterally and completed a hand-to-hand pass with Alan Houston on the left wing.
Noticing that Michael Jordan was chasing closely, Alan Houston just dribbled and passed the ball to Larry Johnson, who had just arrived on the right wing.
After the latter caught the ball, he moved outside the three-point line toward the top of the arc. At this time, Li You had quickly slipped across the baseline from right to left.
First, with the help of Oakley's cover near the baseline on the left, he briefly escaped Harper's pursuit, and then quickly bounced out. On the three-point line on the left wing, Ewing, who had just completed the sweeper pass, stood still and also gave Lee the ball. Yu set an off-ball screen.
Just after taking advantage of the screen, Li You came to the left wing, received a cross pass from Larry Johnson, immediately stopped at the three-point line, raised the ball and shot a jumper!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.
The cheers started again, and Walter Frazier in the commentary box also followed up with a loud whistle:
"What a beautiful cooperation! Continuous screens helped Lee completely get rid of the defense."
"This opportunity is a bonus for Li!"
Seeing that Longley failed to switch defense in time, the Bulls coaching staff sighed secretly. If they want to play excellent defense, everyone must cooperate tacitly.
Soon, the Bulls' offense also gave a simple response. From the right block, Michael Jordan caught the ball with his back and immediately completed a turn and jump!
"Whoa!" Another hit from mid-range.
Alan Houston twitched his lips. This kind of backward angle and time in the air made his shot blocking look particularly weak.
Maikou responded continuously, making the boos louder and louder. Everyone knew that this was not a good signal.
After two rounds, the Bulls took the lead in changing their defensive strategy. Whether it was Cooke or Longley, they would delay the move immediately when encountering a pick-and-roll.
This time the Knicks' offense, Ewing's cover was of high quality. On the left flank, Li You held the ball with his left hand. Just after getting rid of Harper's pursuit, Longley moved his steps and came up late.
Facing the delay of the big man, Li You just lowered his center of gravity, quickly pushed the ball with his left hand to change direction, led the ball forward sharply, and at the same time used force with his feet to jump between the two.
There was no time to adjust his body's center of gravity. Langley could only watch as Li You grabbed the ball with his right hand and completely got rid of the defense, driving straight into the basket from the right wing.
"oh!!"
It was such a beautiful performance that the New York fans at the scene exclaimed and then shouted excitedly.
Breaking into the paint area, Li You, who rushed up in three strides, combined the ball and looked towards Oakley, who was near the baseline on the right, to make a fake move of throwing the ball.
He wanted to move to help defend Kuqi, but he was deceived into stopping. In the blink of an eye, Li You had already taken off in the paint area and easily picked up the basket with his left hand!
"Wow!!"
The cheers in the arena grew louder and louder, and commentator Mike Breen also praised loudly:
"Wonderful goal! Lee almost beat the Bulls' entire defense!"
Both teams showed efficient offensive scores after the start, and the scores began to rise alternately.
Phil Jackson on the sidelines quickly discovered the problem. Longley's delayed defense did not have much effect. As long as Ewing's screen delayed Harper, Li You could pass through the defense and go straight to the basket.
The same offensive routine was beaten three times by the Knicks. Except for Oakley's one hit, the other two rounds all scored.
With 7 minutes and 11 seconds left in the first quarter, the Bulls took the initiative to request a timeout.
At 8:11, the Knicks still led.
Back on the bench, Harper felt a little frustrated, as the pendant defense had no effect.
Li You never makes mistakes, but Harper can't keep up with the rhythm in the face of continuous sudden stops and changes of direction.
It has nothing to do with defensive skills, this is just caused by the decline in physical condition. Compared with the previous two seasons, his reaction and lateral speed have dropped a bit.
"Dennis, pay attention to defense after coming on the court. Don't let your opponent easily gain position under the basket."
In order to better defend against pick-and-rolls, Phil Jackson activated Rodman in advance. He gave a brief warning and said nothing more.
He didn't complain about being on the bench, but Rodman was already eager to try. The troubled Bulls always needed him to break the situation.
After the timeout, the Bulls took Rodman, his height dropped, but his style of play did not change.
This time it was Kukoc's turn to receive the ball with his back in the right block. After Pippen sent the pass, he connected on the right wing.
At this time, Li You and Harper were squatting in the left corner. They noticed that Mai Dun, who had left the baseline and came to the left block, suddenly ran back and cut into the basket. Li You immediately gave up the defender and accelerated towards the basket.
Alan Houston lost his defensive position, and after running back, Michael Jordan was half a body ahead. He received a ground pass from Kukchi in the paint area, grabbed the ball with one hand with his left hand, and wanted to complete a dunk with his tongue hanging out.
As soon as Michael Jordan took off, Li You, who had been chasing him for a long time, immediately blocked the shot behind him.
Unprepared, Mai Dun was knocked out of the basketball hand and only then did he realize that Li You had actually defended back to the basket.
Ewing controlled the ball, Kukchi pressed on the spot, and the Bulls quickly retreated.
Maikun, who had lost face, saw Li You catching the ball with a smile and immediately led the defense. This scene made the New York fans at the scene boo loudly.
Lowering his center of gravity and spreading his hands, Michael Jordan stared, giving physical resistance while constantly sliding.
On the left sideline, Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, quickly turned around, switched to his right hand, and then moved to the middle before starting to accelerate the breakthrough.
The two men continued to move their hands, and when they reached the top of the arc, Li You immediately stopped suddenly, kept his center of gravity, moved in front of him, and stared at Li You's movements.
Noticing that Maikou's feet were standing parallel, Li You immediately lowered his center of gravity at the top of the arc, quickly completed the dribble under his hips, and swayed his body to the left.
Sliding to the right, Li You quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, switched to his right hand and immediately in and out slightly.
Shaking left and right, Li You shook his body and pretended to accelerate to break through. Michael Jordan reacted quickly and immediately slid to the left and back.
After a quick buckle, Li You changed the direction of his hips, switched to his left hand, pressed his shoulder to break through, and penetrated straight into the inside line!
Although there was a mistake in defensive prediction, Michael Jordan adjusted his center of gravity and quickly slid away. While giving physical confrontation, Li You slowed down and completed the defense again.
Breaking through into the paint, Li You immediately jumped with the ball. After a feint, he used his left foot as an axis to quickly turn back. At the same time, he exerted force under his feet and completed a backward jump!
Michael Jordan, who was passively defensive, only missed the block. After jumping up, the basketball almost flew to the basketball through his fingertips!
"Whoa!" The two-point ball hit the net!
The New York fans at the scene couldn't see the details of the defense. They just saw Li You break through, finally shake off the defense, and complete a fadeaway jumper in front of McDunner!
"oh!!"
The shouts in the arena became particularly harsh. Michael Jordan made a face, and when he saw Li You shaking his head and retreating, he was almost blown away.
After stacking a layer of Rage BUFF, his physical strength seemed to have recovered a lot, and Harper no longer needed to lead the defense. Michael Jordan began to take over the defense.
In the first half of the game, Li You and Maidu never missed a shot. After changing defense, the two began to hit the ground running.
Michael Jordan, who wanted to complete a block or steal, was extremely aggressive defensively, which made Li You unable to change his direction at all. In most rounds, he would protect the ball sideways, and then the two would compete with their hands.
Alan Houston finally got his chance at this time!
Although he still needs to defend against dunks on the defensive end, the number of post-up singles by the opponent is significantly reduced, and more of them are catch-and-shoot after getting stuck.
Pippen just broke through to the basket and scored two points. The Knicks attacked. After halftime, Li Youyun competed with McDuck at the top of the arc.
Alan Houston used Oakley's lower screen to get rid of Harper's pursuit. He received a pass from Li You at the right elbow of the free throw line and made an easy jump shot!
For several rounds in a row, Alan Houston repeatedly slid down the baseline to catch and shoot, while Jeff Van Gundy laughed and clapped on the sidelines.
Rodman was very depressed when he came on the court. Ewing and Oakley rarely played pick-and-rolls after he came on the court. They had nowhere to use their strength and could only fight for rebounds.
After Pippen's breakthrough pass, Kukoc hit another long two-pointer near the baseline on the right side. In the commentary box, Walter Frazier frowned slightly:
“In the first quarter of the game, Kukchi’s shooting touch was very good and he hit all his jump shots!”
"However, it is correct to stick to the defensive strategy of shrinking the basket. We can accept such scores."
The Bulls' efficient offense made it difficult for the Knicks to launch a transition offense in the first quarter.
Before the end of the first quarter, Ewing successfully blocked the basket, received a pass from Li You, hit the board and put the basket successfully.
Commentator Mike Breen also breathed a sigh of relief and said in a brisk tone:
"Facing the Bulls who are recovering in form, they still can't find the touch from beyond the three-point line. The Knicks are now firmly in control of the game!"
At 23:27, the Knicks took a 4-point lead in the first quarter.
In the Madison Square Garden Arena, the noise was getting louder and louder. The New York fans who were present took advantage of the break to greet the Bulls.
Harper, Pippen, McQueen, and Kukic played the entire first quarter of the game. They couldn't dig holes in the first quarter, and they didn't care about physical issues at this time.
Back in his seat, Michael Jordan looked serious and was in a particularly bad mood.
4 of 8, 8 points and 1 rebound. In the second half of the game, he was struggling, and his physical fitness could not support his offensive and defensive performance.
On the Knicks bench, Li You, who played the entire first quarter, was in a good mood.
4 of 7, 1 of 3 from behind the three-point line, 9 points, 1 rebound and 4 assists. Although he was strong behind, Alan Houston got out of his sluggish state:
"Keep taking action and run a few more times, and the old guy on the other side won't be able to keep up!"
Alan Houston nodded. Under strong cover and without Michael Jordan's pursuit, he would indeed get more opportunities.
The team was leading, and Oakley was in a good mood, giving the shooter another reassurance:
"Even if we miss the shot, as long as it bounces near the basket, we still have a chance to rebound!"
Most of the Knicks are shooting mid-range jumpers below the free throw line. Such shot selection also limits the Bulls' transition offense.
Jeff Van Gundy is telling the rotation players who are about to appear:
"Be patient, we are the leading side, John, remember not to force your shot!"
Starks nodded to show that he understood that many times during the regular season, he would make those jumpers regardless of his shooting feel.
But in the Eastern Conference finals, the opponent was the Bulls again. Out of the desire to win, Starks got rid of the habit of throwing blind chickens.
The rotation of both sides is the same as the G1 game. When many people in the main lineup play the first quarter, rotation is also an inevitable choice.
With 9 minutes and 04 seconds left in the second quarter, Michael Jordan, Pippen, and Kukic appeared again.
At 27:33, just as the Knicks expanded their score, the Bulls got their main lineup back.
Starks, who made both free throws, did not forget to challenge and dunk when he retreated:
"Tonight, you will continue to lose!"
Michael Jordan was in no mood to deal with this old rival. In the offensive round, facing Starks' defense at the right elbow area of the free throw line, Michael Jordan started the post-up mode again.
Chris Childs immediately gave up on Cole and cooperated with his teammates to double-team McDuck.
Cole received the pass at the top of the arc and made an open three-point jumper!
At 30:33, the Bulls hit their first three-pointer of the game, and Jeff Van Gundy immediately requested a timeout.
After this timeout, all starting lineups from both sides returned.
The Knicks did not change their defensive strategy because of a three-pointer, but for the Bulls, teammates scored and McDunner began to share the ball more.
Longley took the ball with his back in the left block. When he saw Pippen cutting in, he immediately passed the ball. The latter withstood Larry Johnson's block and succeeded with a right-hand pick!
The Knicks attack, partial 2-on-2, and after passing the ball quickly, Ewing picked up the ball at the elbow area on the left side of the free throw line. Li You, who quickly slid down the baseline from right to left, immediately bounced out and just received the hand-to-hand pass. , was delayed by Longley.
Before Cole could catch up from behind, Li You moved sideways from the free throw line and swung the ball with his right hand. He passed the ball to the ground and instantly penetrated the defense. Ewing caught the ball and made a one-handed dunk. !
For several consecutive minutes, the two sides began to score points efficiently again, and there were no mistakes in several tactical coordinations.
With 5 minutes and 13 seconds left in the half, the Bulls attacked and dunked to attract double-teams. After scoring, Kukic made an open jumper from the right wing outside the three-point line!
The long rebound was picked up by Li You. After taking the ball, he continued to accelerate along the right sideline.
"oh!!"
There was a transition attack, and the New York fans, who had been silent for a while, started cheering loudly again.
Cole, who was pursuing the defense, cursed secretly. When he saw Li You slowing down, he wanted to get on the defense and pull him.
Approaching the three-point line, Li You, holding the ball in his right hand, quickly dribbled behind his back, misdirected his body to the right, feinted, and accelerated his breakthrough with the ball in his left hand.
Making a wrong defensive prediction, Cole quickly adjusted his body's center of gravity and kept sliding to the right and back. The two had just arrived near the paint area, and Pippen had already retreated back to the Bulls' side.
Li You took a look at what was happening behind him, and without waiting to enter the paint area, he quickly turned around with a gyro, and while joining the ball, he leaned on Cole's body and threw the ball toward the backboard with his right hand!
Instinctively making a pulling action, Cole turned around and wanted to return immediately, but he was still a step too slow. After watching the basketball hit the board, he was swatted away by Pippen.
"squeak!"
The referee blew the whistle to indicate that the goal was valid, and then pointed to the free throw line to indicate that Li You would take an additional penalty.
"Shet! Don't even think about scoring easily again, next time you'll have to block the shot!"
The defense was almost completed. When Pippen saw Li You standing on the free throw line, he pretended to be next to the paint area and said something.
At the free throw line, Li You patted the ball and didn't care about Pippen's words. Instead, he smiled and shouted to the Bulls:
"Hey! Someone with a high salary comes and talks trash to me!"
The referee who had just handed the ball was almost stunned, but Pippen on the side was so angry.
Li Youjia made a free throw, and when it was time to retreat, Michael Jordan had a face on his face and whispered while running towards the half court:
"Don't try to piss me off!"
Li You pretended to be surprised and didn't say much. He just asked teasingly:
"43:49?"
"Wow! Black Jesus lost by 6 points?"
With 3 minutes and 35 seconds left in the half, Li You successfully scored a goal, which made the Bulls so angry that they continued to hit the ball.
While Michael Jordan was leading the defense, he came to the right wing and protected the ball sideways. Li You was still outputting:
"The lagging party has no right to talk trash!"
Maikou immediately strengthened his defense and attacked directly. Li You's ball protector pushed the opponent away. After exploding the ball, he quickly grabbed the ball with his left hand and accelerated with all his strength.
When he came to the three-point line, Li You immediately stopped. Taking advantage of Michael Jordan's sliding step, he quickly dribbled the ball behind his back. After switching to his right hand, he broke through with his shoulder.
The two entangled and came to the right block. Li You turned around again, approached the paint area, grabbed the ball with one hand with his left hand, and leaned forward to pick the basket!
"Crack! Squeak!!"
A crisp hitter, Michael Jordan immediately fouled after being out of position.
Li You shook his hand and walked to the free throw line. The old guy was furious and his movements became louder and louder.
"Shhh!!"
While sending out boos, the New York fans at the scene also did not forget to send out kicks.
The half-time game was about to end, and the Bulls bench became quiet again as they watched the point difference widen.
Free throws are just free throws. Pippen couldn't stand the cute new outfit and finally took the initiative to lead the defense.
The Bulls' offense started to hit again, and Kuqi hit a three-pointer.
But the Knicks also responded quickly. Alan Houston succeeded in a post-up on Cole, and Larry Johnson broke through to the basket and caused another dunk foul.
After Li You pretended to be X, he took advantage of the situation. At the last moment, he continuously passed the ball to Ewing in the paint. Pippen made a face and stopped talking, and the point difference was widened.
Langley was repeatedly frustrated in this quarter. After the gorilla screened, he went to the basket. The two were constantly competing.
At the last moment, Longley still couldn't hold on, and the physically energetic Ewing successfully blocked several times, helping the Knicks score consecutive points.
Although the 1-point rain scene was not pretty, the effect was very good. In the commentary box, seeing Ewing hit the free throw, Walter Frazier said with a smile:
"Lee knows how to let the team score easily. We haven't missed a free throw tonight. It seems that coach Van Gundy has been prepared!"
Ewing, who scored consecutive points, roared and pumped his fist in celebration. On the Knicks bench, the atmosphere team threw up towels again.
At the last moment, Maidu finally hit a long two-pointer from the right wing, which was able to regain some face.
At 48:55, halftime ended, and the Knicks still led by 7 points.
Commentator Mike Breen looked at the technical statistics and said with some surprise:
"In the first half of the game, both sides only made 2 turnovers. The Bulls really played an efficient offense tonight."
Walter Frazier has noticed this a long time ago, but at this time, the Knicks star is full of confidence:
"Lee will continue to control the game, and the Bulls' plan to rely on turnovers to score easy points isn't going to work."
During halftime, in the Bulls locker room, Phil Jackson tried his best to deliver chicken soup.
There was only less than three minutes of rest in the first half of the game. The physical fitness of several main teams declined, and the defensive intensity declined visibly. They could only rely on fouls to complete the defense.
"After this game, we will have two days of rest, and if we get an away victory, we can get the match point at home!"
Phil Jackson's big pie worked. After several people looked at each other, they made up their minds to fight hard in the second half.
In the third quarter of the game, the tenacious Bulls used their usual tactics:
Give the ball to Michael Jordan!
After playing for more than two minutes, Li You completely understood the Bulls' tactical routine, increased the screen, and let Mai Dun catch the ball for a single.
Rodman started the second half, and the Bulls opened up the offensive space on the court, but the Knicks' defense still shrank smaller and smaller.
This time the Bulls attacked, Rodman moved at the free throw line, trying to attract Ewing, but the Gorilla saw the dunk cross step in the right block and rushed inside, sliding to the basket immediately.
Alan Houston gave a physical confrontation, and Ewing blocked the basket. With the two surrounded, McDunner threw the ball to Rodman on the free throw line.
The latter caught the ball, no one was guarding him, took a quick look and immediately made a jump shot!
"Bang" struck angrily!
The rebound popped up, and Li You, who was following Harper in the left corner, firmly stuck the opponent behind him, shrank near the paint area, and successfully protected the backcourt rebound.
The Bulls didn't score for more than two minutes. At this time, Li You was no longer in a hurry and waited for 8 seconds to cross the half court.
Harper did not dare to be careless. Facing Li You, who was holding the ball with his left hand and protecting the ball sideways, the left wing continued to press the defense.
There was no pick and roll. After Li You blasted the ball vigorously, he twisted his body backward and pretended to turn around. Then he fished the ball again with his left hand, lowered his center of gravity and took a big step forward.
Harper slid quickly, and Li You immediately crossed and pulled back. He switched to his right hand and pretended to break through. Taking advantage of the opponent's move to the left, Li You changed direction again with his crotch.
Picking up the ball with his left hand, Li You successfully grabbed half of his body and cut in at a 45-degree angle from the left. Rodman immediately came up to help defend and block the basket.
Ewing was left open at the free throw line. After receiving a pass from Li You, he took aim for a while and hit a mid-range jumper.
The 1-point rain at the end of the first half allowed Ewing to find his touch. Similar to the Bulls' position, the Knicks started the second half, and the two inside players also stood more at the elbow.
After scoring so easily, the New York fans at the scene continued to cheer, victory is in sight!
Phil Jackson frowned on the sidelines. Harper's defense could not restrict Li You's one-on-one breakthrough. He showed tactical gestures and loudly reminded the Bulls to switch defenses.
The Bulls attacked, and McDuck finally hit a fadeaway jumper in the left block. Just after retreating to half court, he found Larry Johnson asking for the ball with his back.
Facing Pippen's leading defense, Li You moved steadily across the half court and came to the left wing. At this time, Larry Johnson had been pushed into the blocking position by McDuck.
The most common offensive routine is that Li You quickly lobs the ball to "Auntie". The latter catches the ball, releases the ball with his right hand, bangs and hits, and the dunk is not out of position, but he is still pushed into the paint area.
When Larry Johnson took the ball and went to the line to throw, Michael Jordan struggled to block the shot!
"state!"
The basketball hit the basket. At this time, the basket was full of people. As soon as he took the shot, he knew that the ball would not go in. Larry Johnson dunked on it and rushed to the basket.
On the other side, Ewing had Kukchi stuck behind him, and Oakley was still pulling with Rodman. He dunked and failed to steal two, but Ewing grabbed the rebound and tipped the ball in.
The gorilla started punching passionately again. He was very familiar with this kind of game!
"Wow!!"
The New York fans cheered louder and louder when they saw McNair's embarrassed appearance.
Soon the Bulls' defense switching strategy failed. Although Pippen was a bit tough, he would participate in blocking positions in every round and actively protect the rebounds.
The three Knicks rushed to grab the ball, but Michael Jordan couldn't resist it.
With 5 minutes and 58 seconds left in the third quarter, a timeout had just been called to take a breath. Maidun, who was continuously hitting the iron, received a pass from the left wing Kuqi, cut into the middle and put the basket successfully.
Alan Houston twitched his lips and slapped his thigh. He didn't expect McDunner to attack so fiercely.
58:63, halfway through the third quarter, neither side scored much.
"Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks!"
The cheers sounded again, but they failed to take the lead as expected, and the fans were also a little anxious.
Li You fished for half a quarter. This time he took the baseline ball, faced Harper's defense again, and advanced with the ball along the right sideline.
When he was about to approach the midline, Li You led the ball forward, stepped on the ground suddenly with his left foot in the air, stepped quickly with his right foot, increased his stride, and accelerated the ball.
Before Harper could react, after the "scissors step", Li You quickly rushed across the center line and got rid of the defense in an instant.
"What the hell!!"
Seeing that Li You was about to rush to the three-point line, Harper quickly accelerated his pursuit.
Seeing the movement behind him, just approaching the three-point line, Li You quickly dribbled the ball behind his back. After an emergency stop, Harper, who was chasing him, lost his defensive position again.
With no time to block the shot, Harper watched as Li You made a jumper from beyond the three-point line!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!
At 58:66, the score difference returned to 8 points again.
Hearing the cheers of the fans, Harper knew that the ball had been scored again. He felt that he was being shown off, and his face became increasingly ugly.
Harper soon discovered that Li You's shaking began to increase, and his dribbling speed also accelerated. He had no choice but to stop the ball and was forced to foul.
And McNuckle hit the iron for two consecutive rounds, making the noise in Madison Square Garden getting louder and louder.
This time Li You caught the ball and continuously circled the ball behind his back. After switching to his right hand, he chased the retreating Bulls to the left wing.
Rodman retreated quickly and was still greeting his teammates in the paint. At the three-point line, Li You suddenly stopped and quickly dribbled the ball with his hips. When he switched to his left hand, he twisted and swung the ball!
The basketball bounced to the floor and flew straight to the lower left side of the basket. Larry Johnson just slipped to the basket and received the pass. Rodman reacted quickly and immediately jumped to block the shot.
In the end, Larry Johnson hung up his defense and sent the ball into the basket with his left hand!
"ah!!"
When the referee blew the whistle, "Auntie" threw Rodman away, beat her chest and screamed.
Seeing that the Knicks were about to take free throws again, Phil Jackson on the sidelines couldn't hold back and loudly reminded the players to concentrate.
In the second half of the third quarter, the game became the Bulls to fight the iron, and the Knicks team converted the attack.
Unlike G1, the Bulls chose a foul, and they couldn't prevent them easily.
Jeff Van Gandy had already returned to the bench at this time, with a smile and occasionally patting his hands.
On -site conductors also frequently aimed at the baldness and handsomeness, and the one did show the famous handsome style.
When the Bulls also started a free throw, Li You knew that the opponent could not hold it.
Several offensives were running for the rules. In the case of a decline in physical fitness, the old guy was no longer confident to send the ball into the basket.
In the last 1 minute and 12 seconds of quarters, Li You's cross -cutting of the line easily got rid of Harper's defense.
On the left side wing, Li You turned to pick up the ball, shaking the trend, and Cookcic, who came up, was directly clicked.
Playing the ball in the left hand, the step -by -step movement was completed, Li You completely opened the defense, and easily jumped out outside the three -point line!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net.
The Knicks team quickly retreated, and Michael Jordan received the ball on the right block. After being clipped, the ball was immediately returned to the pipon on the right wing.
McChlo Jordan, who took the ball quickly, immediately twisted his back in the bottom line, under the defense of Alan-Houston, hit the ball in response.
"Unbelievable, Michael Jordan can still hit such a difficult shot!"
The third quarter of the game was over, and the commentator Mike Brin couldn't help but marvel. Walter Fraser looked at technical statistics and said without concern:
"4 of 11, I got 10 points, this efficiency could not defeat the Knicks."
In the same tactics, this time Li You changed his direction and just received the cross from Larry Johnson on the right wing wing, and Rodman changed his defense.
Li You kept the three threatening gestures and protected the ball on the side, while Rodman held his waist in his right hand, lifted his left hand, reduced the center of gravity, and did not put it.
The left foot quickly tentatively tentatively tentatively tentatively tentatively moved while Rodman moved back slightly. Li You suddenly put the ball, and the ball was fried in place horizontally.
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!
The Madison Square Garden instantly frying the pan. In the face of noodles, New York fans finally couldn't hold it, and began to celebrate the victory of the game in advance.
Seeing that Rodman was still stunned, Li You, who finished the goal, smiled and shook his head, walking with a small broken step to retreat quickly.
In the last quarter of the third quarter, Pippen was about to be free, but the fans at the scene didn't care. Everyone just wanted to celebrate.
70:85, in three quarters, the Knicks team led 15 points ahead.
In the third quarter, Michael Jordan did not appear directly in the fourth quarter. He shot a lot and consumed a lot of physical energy, and he had to breathe a breath.
Both sides carried out lineup rotation.
"Single 6 of 6, 3 of 3 of the three -point line, 4 of 4 free throws, Li scored 15 points in the third quarter!"
"When the team needs to score the most, Li took over the game!"
Three three-pointers, let the commentary Mike Brin impress:
"Unbelievable performance, Li's efficiency is too amazing!"
On the bench of the Bulls, Harper couldn't hold it anymore. Although he took half a time in the second quarter, the lead in the third quarter consumed his a lot of physical fitness.
Phil-Jackson saw the state of the main force and shook his head secretly. He wanted to give up the game as a result. As a result, he insisted on playing.
After less than three minutes of rest, Michael Jordan debuted again, the Knicks team, Alan Houston on the bench is also a little embarrassed:
"In the three quarters, Mike took 24 times, plus a lot of back running, isn't it tired?"
Li You didn't care about these. The old guy wanted to continue to fight, so he followed him:
"I'm not tired, continue to appear, and tell him by the way that the law of the Knicks cannot be broken!"
When the Knicks team led the two -digit number this season, he never lost the goal. The counterattack drama did not exist here.
He made a total of twice in the three quarters of the game. Like the usual competition, most of them appeared when passing the inside.
Jeff Van Gambi quickly returned the main lineup. Bald and handsome, he would not worry about the players' physical fitness. After so many days of rest, Youyi rest for more than half of the season. The main force is more advantageous.
The Knicks's companion group appeared again, which also caused Li You's data to rise.
There were 3 minutes and 01 seconds left in the game, and Li You began to press time.
Near 24 seconds, Li You died of Cole's defense, breaking through the paint area and throwing the ball on the basket, and then everyone squeezed down the basket, followed by a mess.
At the end of the hit, the Bulls were snatched with a temper, and then the buckle pulled his face to admit that he lost his face.
"Wow!!"
After the last tens of seconds, the cheers rang through the stands, 93:106, Knicks won the opponent, and again protecting the home.
"ah!!"
Ewing shouted with the ball under the basket, and the opponent suppressed the opponent, and the gorilla naturally knew what it meant.
Li You took a deep breath, felt his physical condition, smiled confidently, and by the way, he and the atmosphere of the cheerful atmosphere.
Jeff Van Gambi stood up from the bench, sorted out his suit jacket, and laughed to the technical platform to shake hands with Phil Jackson with a smile:
"This is really a wonderful game! Looking forward to our fight in Chicago."
"."
Phil-Jackson had no mood to be bald and handsome, and turned his head away after a perfunctory handshake.
Seeing Michael Jordan quickly walking towards the player channel, Jeff Van Gandy only felt completely comfortable.
40 minutes, 12 in 24, 8 of 8 of the three-point line, 6 of 6, 34 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 mistakes. Seeing Li You's data, the commentator Mike Brin sighed: "
"Regardless of the opponent's status, such a performance in the Eastern Finals, Li once again proved himself!"
"Entering the best for a while, it is definitely worthy of the name!"
Walter Fraser beckoned Li You, and then asked Li You, who came to the two of them:
"His efficient performance in two consecutive games, Li, introduce the secrets of 伱, everyone wants to know!"
Li You took the microphone, with a smile on his face, but the answer was not polite:
"My physical fitness is better, I'm younger, it's that simple!"
"Perhaps the Bulls can consider using the young defensor to play me, they can consider my suggestion!"
The three laughed on the sidelines and opened the business mutual blow mode again.
The big score of the series comes to 2: 0, and it is not a simple matter to turn around.
Michael Jordan still attended a post-match press conference, put on a formal dress, with a calm look, facing the provocation of the New York media, it just responded blandly:
"The Bulls will win the series, I will be the last winner!"
TNT's reporter was not polite at this time, and asked loudly when he stood up and asked:
"Covered! If the Bulls failed to reach the finals, would you consider retirement for the second time?"
It seemed that he was impatient, Michael Jordan helped the microphone and pulled his face and said:
"I have never said that if you retire, I haven't considered these things."
"The Bulls will win the series! Let's ask me again."
"."
41 minutes, 13 of 29, 9, 35 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 mistakes.
Although Michael Jordan scored the highest score in the audience and the efficiency was also good, the people who eat melon only wanted to watch the loser, and the sports media that night all became wall grass:
"Bulls are about to disintegrate!"
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(End of chapter)
