Chapter 191 Marching Towards the Finals
The point difference, which had been narrowed to 9 points, returned to 16 points three minutes later.
Big Van Gundy was dumbfounded.
He stood on the sidelines with his mouth open, his gaze sweeping over the Knicks players.
With Li Feng's made step-back three-pointer, the Knicks' lead expanded to 22 points.
Big Van Gundy had to call another timeout.
At this point, with more than 2 minutes left in the third quarter, if he didn't call a timeout, the deficit would be heading towards 30+.
The Madison Square Garden fans were ecstatic. Although they had experienced a rollercoaster ride today, overall, the Knicks had been reassuring.
Li Feng immediately resumed the use of his [Enhancement Pack] time. He had only used a little over 5 minutes earlier, leaving a total of 11 minutes.
It was settled!
There was enough time!
After the timeout, the Magic players had lost their fighting spirit. Even if the Knicks players didn't defend perfectly, their shots lacked confidence, and their shooting percentages plummeted.
The third quarter ended with the score at 86:55, the Knicks leading by 31 points.
The Magic team made a symbolic comeback in the fourth quarter, but it had little effect.
In the end, the Knicks decisively defeated the Magic at home, winning the crucial Game 5!
"Defense wins championships!"
The Knicks perfectly exemplified this famous saying today.
Li Feng played 32 minutes today, scoring 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Yao Ming also performed well today, scoring 25 points, but he also had 6 blocks.
These blocks were very important for the Knicks.
Because of Yao Ming's blocks, the Magic were afraid to drive into the paint and could only attempt as many three-pointers as possible.
Many media outlets were proven wrong by the Knicks' victory, and they didn't publish news immediately after the game, only rushing out articles a few minutes later.
Li Feng and his teammates finally held their heads high. They bumped and jumped on the court, celebrating the victory with the home fans.
After winning Game 5, the Knicks gained the advantage.
In the next game, the Knicks would travel to the Magic's home court for Game 6.
Before heading to Orlando, Li Feng and Jenner had dinner again.
Because of this crucial Game 5, Jenner had sat courtside, cheering for Li Feng throughout.
Every time Li Feng made a basket, or even grabbed a rebound, Jenner would shriek with excitement.
She paid no mind to others' feelings and wasn't afraid of being misunderstood.
...
The Western Conference Finals were also fiercely contested.
The Lakers, after leading 3-1, lost again at home to the Spurs, with the series score now 3-2.
Kobe played brilliantly in the first game, but his performance in the subsequent games was average, being heavily restricted by the Spurs.
However, Kobe's game was maturing, and he was no longer solely focused on isolation plays but was trying to facilitate the team.
Therefore, the Lakers were still considered the stronger team.
...
Upon arriving in Orlando, the Knicks players underwent a brief practice session and then had free time.
D'Antoni was open-minded. He believed that at this stage of the playoffs, the players were fatigued, and conducting high-intensity training would be unreasonable.
Li Feng and Yao Ming were also in a relaxed mood. As long as they won this away game, they would advance to the Finals.
They were both excited because this would be their first time.
The NBA was the highest stage of world basketball.
Many players never even reached the Finals in their entire careers.
"Brother Yao, if, I mean, if we win the championship, what will you say at the award ceremony?"
Yao Ming smiled, then fell into thought.
Li Feng didn't press for an answer, guessing that Yao Ming might be thinking of many things.
Yao Ming had spent many years in his career, but only in the past few months with the Knicks had he felt the most comfortable.
Although Yao Ming had good relationships with his teammates on the Rockets, he was too exhausted with the Rockets.
Furthermore, he gained weight every year, putting immense strain on his body.
This led to continuous injuries in the past two years.
...
This game was a match point for the Knicks.
However, for the Magic, it was a do-or-die battle!
If they won, there was still hope; if they lost, they would go home to fish.
Therefore, from the start of Game 6, the Magic players played with fierce intensity, their eyes bloodshot.
Li Feng and his teammates met the challenge calmly, playing a high-intensity offense and defense.
The score between the two teams was very close.
Since the Magic's three-point shooting percentage was not high, Li Feng did not use his [Enhancement Pack], allowing both sides to compete with their own skills, in a genuine, hard-fought battle!
If the Magic's three-point shooting was average, they would have no hope.
After the second half began, the Knicks pulled away.
The Magic players became increasingly desperate, and when they couldn't defend effectively, they resorted to rougher play.
Li Feng became a little angry.
Throughout these Eastern Conference Finals games, he felt that the Magic had been a clean team, playing with intensity but not dirty.
However, as the crucial final stages arrived, the inevitable happened.
To prevent his teammates from getting injured, Li Feng began to hold the ball extensively.
During one of his drives, Nelson lunged sideways, attempting to knock Li Feng down.
Although Li Feng was strong, being hit from the side made him susceptible to being knocked down and injured.
Fortunately, Li Feng had already noticed him with his peripheral vision, so he quickly lowered his center of gravity and focused his strength on his left shoulder.
Nelson crashed into him with a thud.
Both the Knicks teammates and the Magic opponents assumed Li Feng would be sent flying.
However, Li Feng's body only swayed slightly, while Nelson was comically sent flying backward.
Whoosh!
Thump!
Nelson had used too much of his own force, so the rebound force Li Feng provided was also substantial.
The referee glanced at the play, hesitated for two seconds, but did not blow his whistle, deeming it a legal collision between the two players.
After being hit, Nelson flew more than 2 meters away, rolling on the ground several times before stopping.
He felt as if he had collided with a truck at that moment.
His body felt like it was falling apart.
Nelson moved around, trying to continue the game, but suddenly felt sharp pain in his shoulder and hip.
Helplessly, he had to request to be substituted, and the team doctor took him for examination.
The Magic home crowd, witnessing this, was terrified. Nelson's physique was top-tier for a guard.
However, compared to Li Feng, there was still a significant gap.
Seeing Nelson leave the court, the other Magic players became much more restrained, no longer daring to play so roughly.
After three quarters, the Knicks led the Magic by 13 points.
The point difference was not huge, but judging by the game's flow, the Magic had no chance.
Ultimately, the Knicks defeated the Magic on the road with a score of 107:97.
Thus, with a commanding 4:2 series lead, they eliminated the Magic and were the first to advance to the Finals!
The moment the referee's whistle blew, the Magic home arena fell silent, while the Knicks players cheered and jumped, embracing each other in excitement.
Li Feng and Yao Ming's eyes were teary, and they were choked with emotion.
It had truly been a difficult journey.
After the Magic's two consecutive wins, almost everyone had sided with the Magic.
Li Feng was dismissed by the media as a regular-season star, not capable of carrying the team.
Yao Ming was also labeled a "center who had fallen behind the times."
Therefore, both of them, along with their teammates, had been holding in a surge of pent-up frustration.
D'Antoni was also immensely excited. He hugged his coaching staff members one by one, congratulating each other.
Li Feng averaged 28.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 10.6 assists in the six Eastern Conference Finals games.
Although his stats had declined compared to his previous games, Li Feng contributed more on the defensive end.
Yao Ming averaged 22.1 points and 9.6 rebounds, serving as the Knicks' stable second offensive option.
According to NBA rules, the Eastern Conference Champions were also awarded a trophy and championship rings.
Although the players looked very happy, everyone knew that the real challenge was just beginning!
Reaching the NBA Finals stage was the dream of every basketball player.
The Magic players looked dejected, but they generously walked over to the Knicks players, hugging them one by one and congratulating their opponents.
Howard and Yao Ming had the longest embrace.
As the two most outstanding top centers in the league, they had faced each other multiple times.
However, due to one being in the East and the other in the West, they had never met in the playoffs.
This matchup would finally put to rest the debate of who was stronger.
Perhaps Howard's physical talent made him the best choice for a team's foundation and core.
But Yao Ming undoubtedly had a higher ceiling.
"Yao Ming, when will I ever have your skills? Sigh..." Howard said with a wry smile.
"Keep it up, you can do it. With your physique, training will be even easier!" Yao Ming patted Howard on the shoulder, encouraging him.
Yao Ming was several years older than Howard, so he hoped Howard would improve and stop relying solely on his talent.
Carter and Li Feng also talked for a long time.
As the most athletic player, Carter had always been confident in his leaping ability, even not backing down against Jordan.
However, after witnessing Li Feng's performance, Carter truly felt inferior.
"Li Feng, I also know some Chinese players who have decent skills, but their physical talent is lacking, except for Yao Ming, of course. But you are so incredibly talented, it truly opened my eyes."
"You flatter me, Brother Carter. You are my idol. Many of my dunking styles are inspired by yours."
Li Feng spoke sincerely, and Carter was very pleased. He laughed heartily and playfully punched Li Feng's chest.
...
Upon returning to New York from Orlando, as soon as the Knicks players deplaned, they were greeted by a sea of fans holding banners and signs.
Li Feng had the most fans, and they chanted in unison: "Li Feng! I love you! Li Feng! I love you!"
More fans were shouting:
"Knicks Championship!"
"Knicks Win!"
"Take the Championship!"
...
As Li Feng finished interacting with the fans and was about to leave the airport, he spotted a red sports car parked there.
He immediately recognized it as Jenner's sports car!
Indeed, the car door opened, and Jenner, wearing sunglasses, waved at him gently from inside.
Li Feng smiled and got into the passenger seat.
"Jenner, why did you come to pick me up? The reporters have already seen us."
Jenner was quite direct, smiling and saying, "Does our Kardashian family fear this? Let them take pictures. Come on, let's strike a pose!"
As expected of a woman from a publicity-seeking family, at seventeen, she already knew how to leverage the media.
The red sports car idled for a moment, then Jenner stepped on the gas and drove away from the airport.
"Where are we going, Miss Jenner?" Li Feng was in a good mood, having won the Eastern Conference Championship.
"Are you hungry? I'll take you to eat something good."
"Not hungry at all, I ate on the plane."
"Then... shall I take you to my place?" Jenner's tone suddenly lowered. Li Feng looked at her profile and noticed her blushing.
Li Feng sensed that Jenner was getting emotional, but he only considered Jenner a good friend and didn't think of anything else.
One couldn't say Jenner was bad.
Born into the Kardashian family, she was destined to promote herself.
Of course, it was not impossible that Jenner genuinely liked him, but for Li Feng, he didn't want to cause trouble.
"Forget it. If I go to your place, won't you be afraid? Haha!" Li Feng playfully declined her invitation.
Jenner's expression changed. Li Feng was the first man she had genuinely liked.
But to have her invitation rejected, did Li Feng not like women?
"Li Feng, I guess... you're not into women, are you?" Jenner asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"What are you talking about? I'm a standard straight man, haha!"
"Hmph, I don't believe you!" Jenner pouted her lips, saying displeasedly.
"Believe it or not. By the way, you can just drop me off on the side of the road later. I have something to do." Li Feng sensed Jenner was angry and realized that continuing the conversation would be awkward, so he decided to part ways for now.
Jenner didn't try to persuade him further. She dropped Li Feng off on the side of a road where parking was possible, then sped away in a huff.
Li Feng, carrying his suitcase, shook his head helplessly and hailed a taxi, heading towards his residence.
Although he was happy to have reached the Finals, Li Feng knew that a bigger challenge lay ahead.
So, as soon as he returned to his place, he found the game footage of the Western Conference Finals and began to watch it carefully.
While watching the game recordings, Li Feng exclaimed repeatedly.
He found that the Lakers and the Spurs were truly top-tier teams with extremely high tactical awareness.
Every offense and defense was a work of art.
Kobe and Gasol, the GDP trio, were all experienced core players.
The Western Conference Finals had now reached Game 6, with both teams tied at 3-3.
The final game would be held in two days.
This meant the Knicks would have a few extra days to rest.
The Knicks coaching staff also began preparing for the Finals. They edited the footage of the Lakers and Spurs games, compiling clips of their tactics and mistakes.
The next day, all the Knicks players arrived at the training facility to watch the edited game clips with the coaching staff.
D'Antoni was filled with high spirits. This was the closest he had ever been to a championship.
In fact, D'Antoni could be considered a renowned coach, but he had no outstanding hard honors over the years.
Besides leading the Suns to the Western Conference Finals once, he had no other remarkable achievements.
Therefore, he secretly vowed to win this year's championship!
And D'Antoni's greatest confidence stemmed from Li Feng!
Of course, there was also Yao Ming.
But undoubtedly, Li Feng was the player who determined the team's ceiling.
What pleased D'Antoni the most was Li Feng's command of the players on the court and his control of the game's tempo.