NBA: The Basketball Miracle

Before the game officially started, Madison Square Garden was already boiling:

"No. 23, Michaael Joordan!!"

As soon as the home DJ whispered the name, nearly 20,000 fans at the scene burst into loud boos.

Michael Jordan didn't chew gum, but instead gave his teammates a serious high-five before leaving the court.

As the Knicks players came out one by one, the cheers grew louder and louder.

The fans in New York were particularly devoted tonight.

Lee looked calm. This season, starting from the regular season, he had made his best efforts to magnify the Knicks' advantages.

Moving his body with great concentration, in the final warm-up phase, Lee made one shot after another, which caused cheers from the audience.

In the MSG commentary booth, Mike Breen quickly introduced the Bulls' starting lineup:

"Rodman still didn't start tonight. The guards are Ron Harper and Michael Jordan, the forwards are Scottie Pippen and Tony Kukoc, and the center is Luke Longley."

"The Bulls continued with the starting lineup from the semifinals and did not actively change the lineup in tonight's game."

Walt Frazier had already done his homework by this time.

The legendary star confidently added:

"The Bulls' three-point shooting has seriously declined this season. During the regular season, they only hit 32.3% of their shots. In the playoffs, the outside line was also weak and did not perform well."

"Play good defense, protect the rebounds, and we will successfully protect our home court tonight!"

During the regular season, the Knicks averaged 22.4 three-point shots per game, ranking first in the league, and their 37.3% three-point shooting percentage ranked fourth in the league.

Although there was a decline in the playoffs, this was also related to Lee reducing his own output.

After the league restored the three-point line to its normal distance, the proportion of three-pointers by each team decreased, but the Knicks went against the trend.

"Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks!"

The New York fans who arrived at the scene began to cheer loudly for their home team, and Ewing, who came to the center circle, was particularly focused.

As the referee threw the basketball high up, the gorilla jumped up and pushed the ball to his own half.

There was no greeting before the game, and no communication between the players of both teams.

Michael Jordan knew that the Knicks team on the opposite side might be the team that most wanted to beat him.

Harper took the lead in defense at the first moment, and Longley, who quickly retreated, loudly called on his teammates to defend.

After making a tactical gesture, Lee held the ball in his right hand, faced the defense, and quickly dribbled across half court.

Coming to the left wing, Lee lowered his center of gravity and protected the ball sideways.

Harper did not choose to cut the ball, but just defended with his waist.

Ewing quickly came to the left wing for a high pick-and-roll, while the other three moved out to the other side, setting up a local two-on-two situation, the Knicks' usual opening tactic.

Without waiting for Ewing to stand still, Harper began to move forward, sticking to Lee's side, preparing to squeeze through the screen.

Without much shaking, Lee just hit the ball hard on the spot, then quickly twisted his body, and while he scooped the ball with his left hand, Ewing stood still.

Harper was delayed for a moment, and then Ewing quickly followed.

Longley saw the gorilla rushing so fast, so he also quickly retreated.

On the left wing near the sideline, Harper chased in front of him again.

Lee, holding the ball with his left hand, slightly raised his center of gravity, quickly completed a cross-leg dribble, swayed his body to the right to mislead the defense, and then stepped back in the opposite direction.

After shaking out the shooting space, Lee immediately dribbled the ball and quickly shot from outside the three-point line!

"Swish!" The three-pointer went into the net!

Harper stood there, unable to even react defensively, and a huge cheer rang in his ears.

It was a simple and crude attack.

The moment Lee shot, Ewing and Oakley had already squeezed under the basket.

The game started with shooting and grabbing.

There was no complicated tactics at all.

"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

All the Knicks players quickly retreated, and the Bulls kicked the ball out from the baseline, and the defensive cheers became louder and louder.

Lee did not choose to lead the defense, but Harper's advancement speed was not fast either, and it took him almost 8 seconds to cross half court.

Although it was a one-on-one defense, Larry Johnson, standing on the right wing of the Knicks, gave Pippen a step.

Michael Jordan asked for the ball with his back to the basket in the left blocking zone, and Alan Houston immediately stepped up from behind to confront him.

When Harper came to the left wing, Kukoc had already reached the top of the arc to act as a receiving point, and by the way, he took Oakley out of the paint area.

On the Bulls side, only Longley was at the bottom right side of the basket, and everyone else was on the outside.

When Lee saw that Michael Jordan had trapped Alan Houston behind him, he immediately knew that Harper would definitely pass the ball.

On the left wing, the moment Harper passed the ball to Michael Jordan, Lee double-teamed him.

Alan Houston blocked the bottom line, while Lee blocked the top line.

Before the two men could actually surround and catch the ball, Michael Jordan immediately let go of the ball with his left hand, then took two big steps toward the left side near the baseline, then jumped up and made a quick stop jump shot!

"Clang!"

The basketball hit the rim and bounced out. Alan Houston, Larry Johnson and Oakley all retreated to position themselves.

Ewing trapped Longley firmly behind him under the basket and grabbed the rebound.

There was no chance for him to rush for the rebound, so the Bulls quickly retreated.

Jordan missed and the fans cheered loudly. Lee received the ball again and started to accelerate along the right sideline.

Just after crossing half court, Lee passed the ball to Larry Johnson at the top of the arc.

On the right wing close to the three-point line, Lee pretended to cut into the baseline, then suddenly ran back and cut in horizontally from the top line.

Ewing and Oakley had just run across half court and stood in the elbow area on both sides of the free throw line.

Lee used the two's cover to quickly move to the left wing.

Harper was delayed twice, but the old guy was still trying hard to chase and defend.

Lee had just received a cross pass from Larry Johnson, and Harper was about to rush to his side.

After receiving the ball, Lee did not make many adjustments.

He turned around, stood still, raised the ball and shot it!

Harper, who was chasing him, jumped up from the side and blocked the shot, but Lee shot too fast and could only watch the three-pointer fall into the basket again.

"Wow!"

At 0:6, Lee made two consecutive three-pointers, which immediately ignited the atmosphere on the scene.

His physical fitness had not recovered to its best condition, and even his reaction speed had declined. Harper looked at the coaching staff helplessly, but Phil Jackson did not make any comment.

After the baseline ball was sent out, the Bulls' offensive rhythm was still slow.

Asking for the ball from a deeper position can avoid some double-teams.

AThis time, Michael Jordan slipped from the baseline to the low post on the right side and asked for the ball with his back to the basket.

But Alan Houston suddenly went around to defend, and Michael Jordan immediately turned around and accelerated towards the basket, but the expected pass did not come.

Lee didn't give Harper any chance to pass the ball and kept cutting the ball to interfere.

As the defense was too close, Harper finally chose to attack on his own.

He suddenly accelerated with the ball in his left hand, and after crossing the three-point line, he suddenly stopped and shot a jump shot!

"Swish!" The two-point shot hit the target steadily.

"Boo!"

When the Bulls scored, there was booing from the audience, but for the Knicks, such a goal was acceptable.

The Knicks' offense showed no signs of slowing down.

After crossing half court, Lee quickly passed the ball, changed direction, and still cut in horizontally from the top line.

Harper worked hard on defense this time and finally did not lose his position.

After Lee received the pass from Larry Johnson, he immediately maintained a triple threat posture.

At this time, Ewing, who had completed the screen, suddenly cut into the paint area from the elbow area on the left side of the free throw line and quickly came to the lower right side of the basket.

Longley had no time to defend, so Lee passed the ball to Ewing.

Getting closer to the basket, Ewing received the ball and then hung under Longley to shoot.

Despite the interference, the basketball still fell into the basket after hitting the backboard.

After successfully catching the ball and with a bad shooting touch, Ewing consciously received the ball in a deeper position.

The strategy worked and the gorilla pumped his fist in celebration.

At 2:8, the cheers in Madison Square Garden grew louder.

Walt Frazier was also in high spirits in the MSG commentary booth, saying loudly:

"The Bulls haven't gotten into the groove yet, so this is a great opportunity for us!"

The Bulls were on offense, Michael Jordan received the ball at the left elbow, and when Pippen moved to the left wing, Larry Johnson immediately gave up his position and quickly double-teamed him.

Michael Jordan quickly passed the ball to Pippen who was in an open position on the left wing.

The latter received the ball and immediately made a jump shot without hesitation!

"Clang!"

The basketball hit the rim and bounced out, and the rebound was caught by Oakley who retreated to the paint area.

The Bulls hurriedly retreated, and Lee caught the ball and rushed across half court.

On the left wing, close to the three-point line, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, suddenly stopped, dribbled quickly between his legs, looked up at the frame and pretended to pass the ball.

Harper was shaken and paused slightly.

Lee took the opportunity to lower his center of gravity and went straight to the basket with the ball in his right hand.

The Bulls had just gained their footing when they saw Lee break into the paint area.

Kukoc, who was near the baseline on the right side, subconsciously moved towards the basket to prepare for assisting defense.

Lee, who was moving, passed the ball to Oakley who was cutting into the basket without any defense.

Kukoc wanted to turn around and block the shot, but Oakley took the initiative to use his body to break through the defense and make a layup.

At 2:10, on the Knicks bench, the atmosphere team shouted excitedly and stood up to celebrate by pumping their fists.

Commentator Mike Breen also breathed a sigh of relief at this time and said in a brisk tone:

"I was still worried about the team's defensive strategy after the opening, but judging from the past few minutes of the game, our defense worked!"

Phil Jackson on the sidelines saw the Knicks' defense circling around the paint area, and felt helpless for a moment.

This is no different from the Pacers.

They kept a big man in the restricted area without requesting a timeout.

In the next few minutes, the Bulls' role players began to help the team score points.

Pippen and Kukoc hit long two-pointers in open space one after another.

But this did not change the Knicks' offensive rhythm.

After taking a breath, Lee started to attack with the ball again.

Longley, who had just retreated, followed Ewing to the top of the arc.

Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, quickly dribbled the ball behind his back, switched to his left hand and broke through on the left side.

Quickly in and out from the three-point line, Lee suddenly accelerated after shaking.

Longley subconsciously stepped back, took the opportunity to quickly change direction, and came to the free throw line.

Lee just got rid of Harper who was chasing him and immediately made a quick stop jump shot!

"Swish!" A steady hit from mid-range.

Michael Jordan, who had been double-teamed for several consecutive rounds, stopped passing the ball.

He received the ball in the right elbow area and immediately took a long step with his right hand.

Without waiting for the double-team to come, Michael Jordan made a quick stop jump shot!

Alan Houston's block was a beat late and didn't have much effect, and Michael Jordan quickly retreated with a sullen look on his face.

The Bulls' defense was always a step behind, and Phil Jackson's timeout and substitution of Rodman and Longley did not change the situation.

During the positional attack, Lee broke through the middle, faced Harper's defense, and missed the jump shot in the paint area.

The basketball bounced twice on the rim before falling out of the basket.

At this time, the basket was already crowded, Ewing, Oakley, and Larry Johnson rushed desperately, and no one could see who specifically touched the basketball.

The fans at the scene only saw the ball being poked into the basket as soon as it fell out.

8:18, with 5 minutes and 12 seconds left in the first quarter, the Knicks had a double-digit lead.

"oh!!"

The noise at the scene became louder and louder, and every time the Bulls missed a shot, the fans cheered loudly.

Pippen had just broken through to the inside and scored two points with difficulty.

Looking back, Michael Jordan was a step slow in chasing and defending.

Alan Houston broke free from the defense and received a cross pass from Lee at the right elbow and made a mid range jump shot!

Michael Jordan forced his way to the basket from the right blocking zone and attracted three defenders.

On the left wing, Kukoc received the pass and missed a jump shot in a wide-open position.

The long rebound was just caught by Lee, who accelerated and rushed down the middle with the ball in his right hand.

Lee quickly dribbled the ball behind his back at the top of the arc, switched to his left hand, gained half a body position, and went straight to the basket despite Harper's defense.

Pippen quickly retreated and rushed to the paint area.

He jumped with Lee, but found that the basketball flew to the right rear.

Larry Johnson followed up and easily caught the ball and made a layup!

At 10:22, Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines couldn't help but pump his fist to celebrate, and then he loudly reminded his players to retreat quickly.

Michael Jordan, who missed the shot, only made a free throw line jump shot in the second half of the first quarter.

Kukoc also missed several open shots.

Seeing that the score difference showed no sign of narrowing, Michael Jordan started to force his way to the basket again.

In the last few minutes of the first quarter, Lee also stood on the free throw line.

Harper couldn't keep up with the rhythm, and when he switched offense and came to the paint area, he fouled decisively.

At 17:30, at the end of the first quarter, cheers broke out again in Madison Square Garden.

"We had perfect control of the game! We took a double-digit lead before the Bulls even got into the game."

"We must praise Lee's performance. He responded in time when the team needed to score!"

Walt Frazier was so excited watching this kind of game that he couldn't stop cheering.

Commentator Mike Breen saw the Bulls shooting 0-for-3 from beyond the three point line, and he added with a smile:

"Coach Jeff Van Gundy's defensive strategy was very successful, and the team's execution was also excellent. This is a team victory!"

Although the game was only played for one quarter, the New York fans at the scene were already excited, and the Bulls had no chance to fight back!

Playing the entire first quarter, Clay Lee scored 12 points, 2 rebounds and 3 assists in a single quarter, with 4 of 7 shots, 2 of 3 three-pointers and 2 of 2 free throws.

As soon as he returned to his seat, Ben Davis from the atmosphere team handed Lee a water bottle and a towel, and then said excitedly:

"Cool, Lee! We're definitely going to win the game tonight! The Bulls are done!"

The atmosphere group also started to cheer loudly.

This season, the Knicks have never lost a game when they were leading by double digits!

Jeff Van Gundy greeted the players in the rotation and excitedly said,

"Don't relax. Keep up the pace. They can't run anymore!"

Starks also got excited at this time, and he would strike hard every time the game was going his way.

The Knicks rotated their players step by step, with Chris Childs, Starks, Chris Mills, Larry Johnson and Chris Dudley appearing on the court.

The Bulls also made personnel rotations, with Steve Kerr, Scott Burrell, Jud Buechler, Rodman and Longley appearing.

Harper, Michael Jordan and Pippen all played the entire first quarter and are currently sitting on the bench.

No one said a word and had a sullen look on their faces.

The director frequently gave the camera to Michael Jordan, who made 2 of 6 shots and 2 of 3 free throws in the first quarter, scoring 6 points.

Pippen made 2 of 6 shots and also scored 6 points.

The Bulls' rotation lineup played for less than 3 minutes before the main lineup returned one after another.

Jeff Van Gundy took Ewing first, and then took Lee with 6 minutes and 32 seconds left in the second quarter.

25:39, the Knicks were still leading by 14 points.

After resting for half a quarter, Lee came on the court and took over the ball again.

Michael Jordan, who gradually found his shooting touch, also began to score points continuously.

Alan Houston could only cling to Michael Jordan and move back and forth.

For several consecutive rounds, Michael Jordan was in good form, running without the ball to get rid of the defense and making shots after catching the ball.

In this attack, Michael Jordan moved diagonally near the right baseline, and with the help of Kukoc's screen, he came to the elbow area on the left side of the free throw line.

Kerr on the right wing started moving early, preparing to pass the ball to Michael Jordan.

It's just that his intention to pass the ball was too obvious, and after Lee blocked the passing route, Kerr was unable to pass the ball immediately.

Alan Houston came up to defend again, and Michael Jordan moved sideways again and went to the top of the arc to receive the ball.

Kerr was being closely guarded by Lee.

When he saw the big man preparing to receive the ball at the top of the arc, he immediately turned around, protected the ball sideways, and made a side pass with his right hand.

Before the basketball left his hand, Lee slapped it away with his left hand, picked up the ball, and accelerated forward with the ball in his left hand.

Michael Jordan, despite his poor physical condition, was also staring at Lee and accelerating to defend him!

In the blink of an eye, the two had already crossed half court.

Seeing that Lee showed no sign of slowing down, he took three steps into the paint area and rushed forward to dunk, while Michael Jordan accelerated again.

Then he jumped high into the air in the paint area, ready to block the shot!

Grabbing the ball with his right hand, Lee in the air made a fake pass, moved the ball behind him, and passed it to Alan Houston who was following up.

The latter received the ball, completely unguarded, and made a one-handed slam dunk!

"Wow!!"

The dunk once again ignited the atmosphere in the arena, and the cheers grew louder and louder.

After landing, Lee smiled and nodded his head gently with his right hand, which immediately made Michael Jordan in front of him very angry.

Michael Jordan, who had been holding his breath, kept shooting in the second quarter, but after he actively accelerated the offensive tempo, the Knicks' defensive actions became more and more aggressive.

In the offensive round, Michael Jordan originally planned to use the screen to get rid of the defense, but he was secretly pulled by Oakley in the paint area and was soon chased by Alan Houston.

After breaking through to the inside, Michael Jordan was blocked by Ewing before he could even shoot.

The whistle gradually sounded, and Michael Jordan, who had just found some offensive rhythm in the first half of the game, soon started to miss shots again.

Lee was not affected.

Although Kerr tried hard to defend, Ewing and Oakley's aggressive screens always allowed him to easily get rid of the defense.

In the pick-and-roll at the top of the arc, Kerr failed to squeeze through the screen in time and watched Lee make a quick stop and three-pointer.

Kukoc's delay was too slow, and Phil Jackson on the sidelines was a little anxious.

At this time, he could only encourage Rodman loudly, but he was blocked by Ewing under the basket.

The Bulls were slow to retreat, and Lee rushed into the paint area, carried Kerr, tilted his body, and made a layup with his left hand!

Pippen then made a long two-pointer.

The Bulls had just retreated to half court when Ewing successfully positioned himself at the bottom left of the basket.

After receiving the ball, he caused Kukoc to commit a foul.

Jeff Van Gundy did not actively request a timeout.

Seeing that the Knicks' offensive pace was getting faster and faster, he simply returned to the bench with a smug smile.

Michael Jordan took a few deep breaths while shooting free throws, trying to regain some strength.

But in the last few minutes, several shots missed.

Seeing the Knicks rushing faster and faster, the Bulls could not hold on any longer and started to commit tactical fouls in desperation.

"Boo!!"

The Bulls were faced with free throws for several consecutive rounds, but New York fans, feeling they had won, continued to boo the Bulls.

At the last moment of the first half, Lee missed a long three-pointer, and Kerr, who was sprinting back and forth desperately to defend, also began to breathe heavily.

38:54, the Knicks entered the second half with a 16-point lead.

During the halftime break, in the Knicks locker room, Jeff Van Gundy was still loudly reminding everyone:

"In the second quarter, Michael Jordan shot 4 of 4 and then 1 of 5. Our defense worked!"

"Maintain this defensive intensity and don't give the opponent any chances!"

In the second quarter, Michael Jordan made consecutive shots and troubled the Knicks' defense again.

Fortunately, they were leading by a large score and everyone was full of energy.

Ewing made 3 of 7 shots in the first half and got 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Although they were all dunks and free throws, the gorilla didn't care.

He excitedly encouraged everyone:

"There are still two quarters to play, and we can win Game 1. The opponent can't keep up with our pace!"

Lee clapped his hands, and everyone cheered.

Victory was just around the corner.

The halftime break did not allow the Bulls to find their touch.

Perhaps he was really physically exhausted, as Michael Jordan continued to miss shots in the third quarter.

Under continuous double-teaming, Michael Jordan was forced to complete a shot from outside the three-point line.

This scene made the Knicks fans at the scene scream wildly, "Michael Jordan can't break through!"

The Knicks had more and more transition attacks, Lee kept speeding up the tempo of the game, and the Bulls' defense finally collapsed completely.

Pippen, who was left open, couldn't respond from beyond the three-point line.

The Bulls bench fell silent, and the atmosphere group also went silent.

The score in a single quarter was 19:24, and after three quarters it was 57:78.

The last quarter entered garbage time.

Michael Jordan scored 5 points with 2 of 7 shots in a single quarter.

He returned to the bench with a sullen face, replenished his water and gasped for breath.

Phil Jackson wanted to give up the fourth quarter, but Michael Jordan played for another 6 minutes and 42 seconds.

Seeing that the score difference did not narrow, he brought in the atmosphere group.

At Madison Square Garden, New York fans began to celebrate the victory.

The noise became louder and louder. Walt Frazier in the commentary booth was completely pleased and praised loudly:

"A perfect victory, we completely controlled the tempo of the game!"

"They performed well on both offense and defense. Coach Van Gundy was very well prepared for this game!"

The win was so easy that commentator Mike Breen was also excited:

"Keep this up, I believe the Knicks will win the series in the end!"

Fortunately, the two were relatively calm and did not loan the championship.

They just couldn't stop bragging in the commentary booth.

Lee was completely relieved when he was substituted off the court.

Without the 1-point rain, the Bulls were no longer able to catch up.

On the Knicks bench, the atmosphere team entered a state of self-excitement again.

It was a rare achievement to be able to throw the towel in the conference finals.

The last 5 minutes passed quickly, and the buzzer sounded at the end of the game.

80:102, the Knicks defeated the Bulls and successfully protected their home court!

In Madison Square Garden, the happy New York fans did not intend to let Michael Jordan go, and the shouting and cursing were endless.

Wearing a towel, Michael Jordan ignored the voices around him and walked quickly towards the player tunnel with an expressionless face.

10 of 25 shots, 1 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, 6 of 7 free throws, 27 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 turnover.

Although his physical condition was average, Michael Jordan still got the highest score on the team.

The Bulls quickly left the court, and MSG was the first to interview Clay Lee.

Commentator Mike Breen asked with a smile:

"A 22-point win over the opponent, Lee, did everyone expect such a game situation before the game?"

Playing for 36 minutes, Lee scored the highest points of the game, making 11 of 23 shots, 5 of 9 from beyond the three-point line, 6 of 7 free throws, 33 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 1 turnover.

Having changed into training clothes, Lee showed no sign of fatigue and responded with a relaxed look:

"The opponent just played a game 7, so a big win was naturally within our expectations."

"In subsequent games, the Bulls will definitely make adjustments, but we are ready."

Walt Frazier noticed that Ewing was still pumping his fist in celebration and looked very excited.

He couldn't help but smile and sighed:

"This is indeed the best opportunity for the Knicks. No one wants to miss the championship again."

"."

At the post-match press conference, Lee and Ewing did not have to answer questions.

The New York media in the audience automatically turned into imagination monsters and praised the performance of the two crazily.

6 of 13 shots, 4 of 6 free throws, 16 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers.

The gorilla didn't score many points, mostly free throws at the basket, but no one at the scene cared about this.

As if recalling the scene of reaching the finals that year, Ewing was in high spirits, but he did not relax his vigilance and make loans recklessly until the ESPN reporter asked:

"Pat! Congratulations on winning G1. After returning from injury, we all noticed that your role in the team has changed. Are you satisfied with your current role?"

The New York media in the audience immediately glared at the bald reporter.

Lee on the stage continued to smile, and Ewing replied calmly:

"I never care about these things, and no one in the Knicks cares about these things either!"

"Now I just want to win the championship. I am very satisfied with the state of the team."

"."

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