"Chris Paul got into trouble with Lee, which was not a wise choice." Smith explained: "The Hornets' overall strength is better, but Chris Paul's style of play is completely asking for it. Eat hard.”
Barkley nodded in agreement: "In the backcourt, especially the No. 1 position, Li Yan has few opponents."
"Chris Paul is clearly not one of them."
"Chris got carried away today. He's not usually so reckless."
The game resumes quickly.
Paul is no longer obsessed with the duel with Li Yan, but the situation on the court has not changed much.
Li Yan's strong point overwhelmed the Hornets. Under his leadership, the Knicks played smoothly.
Randolph, Yi Jianlian, Artest, Richardson...the Knicks are blooming more.
The atmosphere inside Madison Garden Arena was electric and the fans were enthusiastic.
The Hornets were a little passive on the road. Their offensive efficiency was not low, but they seemed very passive on the field.
At the end of the first quarter, the Knicks led the Hornets by 11 points 36-25.
The game went beyond the expectations of many media. In their opinion, the Hornets should have the upper hand. The Knicks were also very good, but they relied too much on Li Yan.
As for the Hornets, in addition to Paul, they also have David West. Yi Jianlian is obviously no match for the All-Star power forward.
Peja Stojakovic is also a more reliable shooter than Richardson, and Chandler's defensive ability is also obvious to all.
However, judging from what was shown in the first quarter, the Knicks completely suppressed the Hornets, and the Hornets had no hope of counterattack.
For the Knicks to be able to perform like this, Li Yan certainly contributed a lot.
Not only does he have strong scoring ability, he also drives his teammates to score points constantly.
While the Hornets focused their efforts on Li Yan, the rest of the Knicks got ample opportunities.
In the first quarter of the game, Li Yan scored 8 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. A triple-double seemed to be a certainty.
During the break, Scott rearranged his tactics. He was no longer planning to flank Li Yan, but wanted to cut off the connection between Li Yan and his teammates.
Instead of being beaten to death by Knicks, Scott wanted to try something different.
Paul also showed the demeanor of a star at this time. He encouraged his teammates: "This is only the first quarter, the game has just begun, this point difference is not a big deal."
"Everyone must work together!" Paul appealed.
Paul cheered, but the effect was still there.
Scott specifically reminded Paul not to be fooled by Li Yan. Paul's performance in the first quarter was not good.
In the contest with Li Yan, he couldn't attack or defend.
There is a saying that the Knicks' ability to open up the situation at home is also due to Paul's contribution.
Scott suggested David West as the main attack point.
West had a considerable advantage facing New York insiders including Yi Jianlian, David Lee and others.
Paul nodded very obediently.
In addition, Scott asked Maurice Peterson to defend Li Yan.
Judging from the first quarter of the game, Paul's defensive effect on Li Yan was not good. His physical condition was too much worse than that of Li Yan.
Paul doesn't have any objections. He has the sense to be a top court controller.
The second quarter started quickly.
Li Yan is sitting off the court, and he now consciously controls his playing time.
Firstly, it is to give other Knicks players more opportunities, and secondly, it is to protect one's own body.
With the blessing of the "ball master", Li Yan's physical strength is not a big problem.
However, the wear and tear on the body during the game is indeed cumulative. Even with James' "body of steel", he cannot act willfully.
You must know that James can become the longest river in the NBA. In addition to his super physical talent, it is also inseparable from his self-discipline and post-game recovery and relaxation.
In the battle between the two teams' second lineups, Bunch Wells and Rasu Butler broke out, while Crawford and Nate Robinson fell into a blacksmith circle.
After playing for less than 4 minutes, the Knicks only scored 3 points and the Hornets scored 10 points.
When Li Yan came on the stage again, the score was 39-35, and the Knicks' lead was only 4 points.
When Li Yan does not bring the second team, the Knicks rely more on Crawford's singles.
There is no way, David Lee has the ability to score, but the two "heroes" in the backcourt have no sense of passing.
They themselves felt that the number of shots was not enough, so why would they take the initiative to feed David Lee the ball.
As a result, the offensive routine of the Knicks' second lineup is quite simple.
Taking turns in singles is too much of a test of the players' condition.
Li Yan wanted to take Crawford with him before, but found that he couldn't break it off at all.
Also, with Crawford's offensive skills, if he could play more reasonably, he wouldn't just get a contract of this level.
The biggest problem for the Knicks now, apart from the lack of defensive strength inside, is that they only have one rhythm point: Li Yan.
They relied too much on Li Yan. Once Li Yan was not on the court, the Knicks' strength instantly regressed to a fringe playoff team.
Artest and Randolph are not a big problem as wingmen, but if they are allowed to carry the banner, they are still far behind.
After the timeout, Li Yan aroused cheers from the fans as soon as he came on the stage.
In just over half of the season, Li Yan conquered New York fans with his performance.
He's New York's only franchise player now.
Knicks offense.
Li Yan held the ball for half the game.
After arriving in the frontcourt, Li Yan discovered the Hornets' defensive adjustments.
His defender became Morris Peterson. Morris Peterson's physical condition is much better than Paul. He has a height of 201cm, good wingspan and good confrontation. He is a defender above the level.
Li Yan held the ball and observed it, made two breakthrough moves, and found that no one came to help defend.
Obviously, the Hornets' defensive focus is to limit his passing.
Morris Peterson's defense was pretty good, and Li Yan had to change directions twice to collect the ball before he missed the rhythm.
After a lag, Li Yan pushed Morris Peterson behind him.
Tyson Chandler hesitated, but before he could step forward, Li Yan quickly came to the free throw line and finished with a precise throw.
41 to 35!
Wasp's turn.
David West's low post attack was blocked and he gave the ball to Chris Paul.
Paul saw Li Yan coming forward and immediately passed the ball.
Peja hit a difficult three-pointer from beyond the arc.
41 to 38!
Next round.
Li Yan asked for a pick-and-roll at the top of the key.
Yi Jianlian covered his crotch and lifted it up.
With the help of the screen, Li Yan dribbled laterally, then leaned over and sprinted, bursting past Morris Peterson and Chris Paul, who was assisting in defense.
Li Yan ran directly towards the basket.
Li Yan prepared to attack the basket, but the Hornets players were still guarding Li Yan from passing the ball.
They were put in a bit of a dilemma by Scott's defensive tactics.
Li Yan held the ball in one hand, jumped off the ground, and headed straight for the basket.
"Boom!" A powerful arm-throwing dunk.
43 to 38!
Madison Square Garden instantly erupted.
Facing Li Yan's offensive, the Hornets had nothing to do.
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