Li Feng did not wish to bear the identity of a "benefactor" because Rose already knew his previous playing style was prone to injury.
The reason Rose had not changed was that he was worried it would affect his offensive state and the team's record.
Now, after listening to Li Feng's advice, Rose made adjustments with a half-believing attitude.
Not only did the team's record not decline, but it also rose to first place in the league, and his physical condition was surprisingly good.
Especially in the playoffs, Rose wreaked havoc, not only defeating the resilient Pacers but also eliminating the seasoned Celtics.
In previous games, Rose's ankle would ache whenever he played more than 30 minutes.
But now, even after playing for more than 35 minutes, his ankle felt fine.
Seeing Rose like this, Li Feng felt happy for him.
"Rose, you don't need to always mention me from now on. This is your own adjustment. You should have a perfect career, and your fans hope to see you step by step towards your peak!"
Rose nodded, "Okay... but aren't you afraid of being eliminated by the Bulls this time?"
Such a straightforward boy, asking Li Feng so directly.
Li Feng laughed heartily, "Of course, I'm afraid, but games are meant to be played against the strongest opponents! If your condition isn't good, I'll be very regretful even if I win."
This is perspective!
Rose was deeply moved. Although he was one year older than Li Feng, he felt he was far less mature than Li Feng.
As they still had to prepare for the Eastern Conference Finals, the two finished their meal and did not chat much. Rose then escorted Li Feng back to the hotel.
The Knicks' pre-game preparation proceeded in an orderly manner.
After the whole team watched the Bulls' game footage, they conducted targeted training.
Rose's explosiveness, Noah's playmaking and help defense, Luol Deng's mid-range shots and drives to the basket, Korver's three-pointers, Boozer's pick-and-roll mid-range shots, Gibson's mid-range shots and rebounding, were all strengths of the Bulls!
This team was somewhat similar to the Hawks, in that they had many star players.
But with the superstar Rose, the Bulls immediately elevated their game by two levels, becoming a top team in the league.
Compared to the Miami Heat's Big Three, the Bulls were not much inferior.
Even after Rose slightly changed his playing style, the team's chemistry improved, and they were full of resilience.
If someone were to ask Li Feng if he regretted giving Rose that advice, if Rose played better with his suggestions and personally eliminated the Knicks, would he regret it?
Li Feng would definitely not!
Championships and victories were important, but player health was even more crucial!
Especially for a super talented star like Rose, his decline was something countless people did not want to see.
...
At the press conference before the Eastern Conference Finals, Rose and Noah accepted interviews from the media.
Although Rose was introverted and not talkative, he was the Bulls' leading star, so he had to attend the press conference.
Reporters had a good impression of Rose because although he spoke little, his words always conveyed sincerity and straightforwardness.
Therefore, Rose's interview programs were also full of highlights.
Noah was more smooth. The team sent Noah to accompany Rose for the interview, allowing Noah to smooth things over when Rose spoke too sincerely.
A reporter asked, "Mr. Rose, the Knicks are the defending champions and defeated the powerful Miami Heat. What do you think are the Bulls' advantages compared to the Knicks?"
Rose approached this Eastern Conference Finals match with a "go for it" attitude.
To be honest, he felt the Bulls had no advantage compared to the Knicks; they didn't have an edge in the inside, outside, or on the wings.
But as a professional player, a player who refused to lose...
After speaking, Noah also smiled mysteriously.
The reporter did not press further. Yao Ming's strength was undeniable, and Noah's statement was just an official response.
...
At the Knicks' press conference, Li Feng and Lowry participated in the interview.
Yao Ming voluntarily let Lowry represent him because Lowry represented the new generation of the Knicks. Yao Ming gave the spotlight opportunity to the "Little Steel Cannon."
After all, the NBA was essentially a commercial league. Players had to play well and also build their good image.
This was how they gained commercial value and earned more money.
Seeing Lowry accept the interview today, the reporters first asked him a question.
"Lowry, you've played well in this postseason and improved greatly. What do you attribute your improvement to?"
Lowry answered seriously, "I'm actually not satisfied with myself. When reviewing the footage, I found many unnecessary turnovers and indecisive play. I will correct them."
"The biggest reason for my improvement is Li Feng's supervision. He always goes over my training plan with me before each day's practice. I think it has helped me a lot!"
The reporters were surprised. It was the first time they heard this. It turned out Li Feng also arranged training content for Lowry, no wonder Lowry's improvement was so rapid.
"Mr. Li Feng, do you help every teammate like this?"
Li Feng smiled, "More or less, but my teammates are all very hardworking. That is the fundamental reason for their improvement. I just offered some suggestions; it's mainly up to them."
His words were very humble but also admitted his help to his teammates.
The reporters couldn't help but nod repeatedly and applaud.
With such a team leader, it was no wonder the Knicks were invincible and rose so quickly.
A reporter also asked, "The Bulls had the best regular season record in the league, and Rose is the MVP. He seems to be following in your footsteps from last year. Do you think Rose can win a championship like you?"
Li Feng knew the reporters were trying to stir up trouble again.
He chuckled and replied, "The NBA is the highest stage of world basketball. Players win championships based on their strength, not some script. How could there be exactly the same storyline appearing?"
"Whether the Bulls or the Knicks win the championship, it will definitely be the strongest one. Moreover, the Western Conference is also very strong. We still need to focus on the present and play every game well!"
Li Feng's words were grand, humble yet confident. That reporter stopped pressing further.
...
At 7 PM, Chicago United Center Arena.
The first game of the Eastern Conference Finals began.
Although this game did not have the same attention as the Knicks versus the Heat, many fans were filled with anticipation due to the Bulls' recent excellent form.
In the polls by media and fans, the Knicks were favored by the majority.
But the NBA had always been a place where miracles were born, so no one could say for sure what the outcome would be.
The Knicks' starting lineup was Li Feng, Yao Ming, Amar'e Stoudsmare, Bill Walker, and Lowry.
The Bulls' starters were Rose, Noah, Boozer, Luol Deng, and Bogans.
In the tip-off at center court, Yao Ming easily secured the first possession for the Knicks.
Noah's static and dynamic talent were both inferior to Yao Ming's.
Li Feng, holding the ball in the backcourt, found Bogans of the Bulls standing in front of him again.
Full-court defense?
Bogans was a defensive stalwart for the Bulls, and his three-point shooting was also good this season. He was the most reliable 3-and-D player for the Bulls.
Although he was blown out by Li Feng in the regular season, Bogans played exceptionally well in the playoffs, locking down Josh Smith, Teague, Ray Allen, and Rondo in the first two rounds respectively.
Therefore, Bogans was very important for the Bulls' advancement, easing the defensive pressure on Rose and maximizing Rose's offensive capabilities.
Upon learning that the opponent was the Knicks, Bogans secretly vowed to lock down Li Feng.
This was not only for the team's victory but also a great opportunity for Bogans to prove himself to the world.
Bogans wanted to become the "Glove" Payton of this era and help the Bulls win the championship.
Although Li Feng had dominated Bogans before, he had watched the Bulls' recent game footage and noticed significant improvements in Bogans' defensive skills.
Therefore, Li Feng dared not be careless and wanted to test Bogans.
So, he did not call for a screen or pass the ball but faced Bogans directly, employing his fancy dribbling.
Indeed, Bogans' movement speed had increased significantly, and he seemed to have studied Li Feng thoroughly.
Li Feng's fancy dribbling had no effect and was continuously blocked by Bogans.
One of the rules in the NBA was that players must advance the ball past half-court within 8 seconds.
With only 3 seconds left, Li Feng had no time to think and directly used Iverson's signature move.
Crossover!
While fancy dribbling was highly entertaining, its practicality was far inferior to a crossover.
Coupled with Li Feng's explosive first step!
Swish!
In the blink of an eye, Li Feng was more than half a meter ahead of Bogans.
Bogans was shocked. He had used all his might and vowed to give Li Feng a warning from the beginning of the game.
Li Feng was the soul of the Knicks. If Li Feng could be contained, the rest were not a threat.
Unfortunately, despite exerting all his strength, Li Feng easily passed him and crossed half-court.
Bogans' heart sank, but his refusal to give up made him follow closely.
One mistake leads to further mistakes, and Li Feng would not give him another defensive opportunity.
Li Feng rapidly drove to the paint. Luol Deng and Boozer double-teamed, blocking Li Feng near the free-throw line.
Whoosh!
Li Feng looked to the left but suddenly flicked his wrist, making a bounce pass to Stoudsmare, who was cutting to the right.
His teammates were well aware that Li Feng would not initiate the offense himself in the first quarter; he would do his best to create opportunities for his teammates.
Now, an opportunity had arrived. Amar'e did not miss it. His cut was perfectly timed, and Li Feng's pass was brilliant.
However, Noah of the Bulls suddenly appeared in front of Amar'e. His help defense was indeed quick, and the timing was good.
Bang!
Noah was knocked to the ground by Amar'e.
In fact, this play was difficult to call, as both players were on the verge of committing a foul.
Amar'e had his own offensive path while cutting, and he was about to take three steps to the basket upon receiving the ball.
Noah's help defense came at the moment Amar'e received the ball.
The referee hesitated for a moment but still pointed towards Amar'e, calling an offensive foul on him.
Perhaps the referee considered the home-court advantage, so he called a foul on the Knicks.
Amar'e was very displeased and immediately rushed towards the referee, but Li Feng and Yao Ming quickly pulled him away.
A home-court whistle so early in the game was normal; they would take it slowly.
The home crowd cheered when the referee called a foul on the Knicks, applauding and jeering at Amar'e.
Possession changed, and the Knicks went on the offensive.
Rose dribbled past half-court, and Lowry stepped up to defend him closely.
Because Bogans was slightly taller than Rose, Li Feng defended Bogans and left Rose to Lowry.
Rose did not force his way through but called for a screen and drove to the basket.
Li Feng nodded secretly. Rose had indeed become much smarter.
With his previous playing style, he would have definitely used a change of direction and acceleration to charge straight ahead.
Now, he actually called for a screen, which significantly increased his efficiency.
Reaching the paint, Rose feigned a pass but suddenly pulled up for a floater.
Rose had not only made changes to his drives but also increased his offensive methods.
His shooting ability had improved greatly, especially his floaters near the basket, which were exquisite.
Despite Yao Ming's strenuous attempt to intercept, Rose's floater had the perfect arc, flying just over Yao Ming's fingertips.
Swish!
2 points were scored.
The Bulls' home crowd cheered enthusiastically, applauding and encouraging Rose for his excellent shot!
After Jordan retired, the Bulls once again became a struggling team.
Rose's arrival gave the fans hope for the Bulls' resurgence.
Especially this season, it was the first time in many years that the Bulls had reached the Eastern Conference Finals, which was a tremendous bonus for the fans.
...
Seeing that Rose was in such good form, Li Feng felt a little worried about today's game.
In the next possession, Li Feng still did not attack himself but passed to Yao Ming.
Because the Bulls' defensive formation was very deep, Li Feng hoped to play a simpler game.
Yao Ming was in good form, and facing Noah, he easily made a fadeaway jumper!
This move really didn't seem like something a 2.2-meter giant could execute.