Durant, being a rather introverted person, was already frustrated after being guarded by Li Feng.
Westbrook, a very outgoing person, knew Durant was in a bad mood, so he remained silent, simply sitting beside him.
After a while, Westbrook couldn't hold back any longer. He patted Durant's shoulder and said, "We'll definitely catch up in the second half."
Durant was deeply touched. He saw Westbrook, Harden, Ibaka, and the others looking at him.
As the team's ace, Durant shouldn't let himself fall into despair.
So, Durant extended his hand and shouted loudly, "Brothers, we must reverse the Knicks in the second half, let's go!"
"Go Thunder!"
"Thunder win!"
...
Westbrook was truly a treasure to the team. He could quickly boost the team's morale and unite everyone.
The second half of the game began.
The Thunder's cohesion had significantly improved, and they played with great determination.
Team grit is crucial, especially on defense. With the right attitude, they become very strong.
The Knicks, facing the Thunder's ferocity, were a bit unaccustomed, and the point difference slowly narrowed again.
Li Feng didn't continue to scorch the scoreboard because he was a team player, prioritizing his teammates.
With 6 minutes and 12 seconds left in the third quarter, the score was 72:70, with the Knicks leading by only 2 points.
D'Antoni quickly called a timeout.
The Thunder's defense was too aggressive, and the Knicks' turnovers increased dramatically, which left D'Antoni very displeased.
Westbrook played a significant role during this comeback surge.
He had effectively contained Lowry.
During the timeout, D'Antoni looked at Li Feng, hoping he would step up.
But Li Feng chose to trust his teammates, saying loudly, "It's alright, if the Thunder are playing tough, we need to play tougher than them!"
His teammates' morale was boosted by Li Feng's encouragement. They all knew that if Li Feng truly exerted himself, he could still widen the gap.
However, the regular season was long, and Li Feng couldn't carry the team alone.
As a championship team, every detail had to be executed perfectly.
After the timeout, the game resumed. The Knicks also intensified their defense, and the intensity on the court grew.
Perkins and Stoudemire almost got into a fight, but teammates intervened in time to pull them apart.
The referees issued a technical foul to each player as a warning.
Although no major conflict erupted, the on-court action was fierce, with neither side yielding an inch.
Li Feng and Westbrook also had a minor scuffle.
However, both players were primarily focused on basketball and didn't harbor personal grudges, so they quickly forgot about it.
The game was so intense that both teams' shooting percentages began to decline. For over two minutes, neither team scored, and the game was very close.
At the end of the third quarter, the score was 86:85, with the Thunder leading by one point.
The outcome was still uncertain!
Li Feng played the entire third quarter again, and his stamina was greatly depleted.
D'Antoni wasn't worried, as he had Li Feng, his trump card.
But he hoped other players would also step up.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the bench units for both teams were on the court. Harden returned to the bench unit, making it harder for the Knicks.
The scores continued to trade blows, with neither team able to pull ahead.
Harden played exceptionally well, hitting two consecutive step-back three-pointers that extended the Thunder's lead to seven points.
But Billups immediately responded.
He first scored two points on a fast-break layup.
Then, he assisted Jordan Hill for two points after a play with him.
Immediately after, he sank a transition three-pointer!
Billups was a magical player. His three-point shooting wasn't frequent, but he always managed to make crucial shots!
In the blink of an eye, the Knicks caught up, and the score was tied again!
This game was incredibly exciting, not only were the starting lineups evenly matched, but even the bench units were engaged in a fierce battle!
With 5 minutes and 48 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the score was tied at 96 all!
The final showdown began.
The media and fans were thrilled; this was a clash of titans!
The Knicks had won their previous few games relatively easily, leaving fans feeling uninspired.
This game, however, was a contest between future superstars.
Durant, Westbrook, and Harden were, to those who understood basketball, the future faces of the league.
And Li Feng had already proven his superstar status.
So, it all depended on who would emerge victorious. The outcome of this game could influence the trajectory of their careers.
This game's viewership set a new high for the season, and being broadcast nationwide, it captivated the attention of millions of fans.
The starting lineups for both teams returned to the court, with Harden and Westbrook both on the floor.
The Thunder replaced Perkins with Jeff Green, clearly aiming to adapt to the Knicks' run-and-gun offense and pick up the pace.
The Knicks made no substitutions, fielding their full starting lineup.
The Thunder went on offense, with Westbrook initiating the play. He used a screen and drove to the baseline.
Yao Ming hesitated for a moment, and Westbrook drove to the basket.
Ibaka made a cut, and Stoudemire failed to defend him. Westbrook passed to Ibaka, who slammed the ball down!
98:96, the Thunder scored the first two points after the timeout!
Li Feng held the ball in the backcourt, signaling his teammates not to panic and to execute a steady play.
Taking advantage of Harden's lapse in attention, Lowry slipped to the corner. Li Feng, with quick eyes and hands, delivered a precise long pass, finding Lowry.
By the time Durant tried to rotate and provide help defense, it was too late. Lowry unleashed a catch-and-shoot three-pointer from the corner!
Swish!
The Knicks took a one-point lead, 99:98!
Harden hit his head in self-reproach. Westbrook went over, patted him on the shoulder, and reminded him, "Don't lose your man, brother."
It couldn't be helped; Harden's defense was specialized.
He was often successful against physically heavier players, effectively limiting them.
However, against players with quick speed and strong off-ball movement, he frequently missed assignments.
Both teams treated the game like a playoff matchup, aggressively targeting and exploiting each other's weaknesses.
The scores continued to trade blows.
With 1 minute and 03 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the score was tied again, 104:104!
The Knicks were on offense.
D'Antoni did not call a timeout, as he had full confidence in Li Feng to direct the team on the court.
Li Feng made a hand gesture to his teammates, indicating he would take the shot himself.
The Thunder players were nervous and prepared for this. They immediately double-teamed Li Feng.
But Li Feng used his Iverson crossover move. With a crossover, he left Westbrook and Harden behind.
Ibaka rushed to provide help defense, but Li Feng used his speed and changed direction, moving to the left of the paint.
Just as Jeff Green lunged forward, Li Feng delivered a bounce pass, passing the ball to Yao Ming under the basket.
The pass was stunning, breaking through the Thunder's defense. Yao Ming easily finished the play with a dunk!