The Spurs rely on team defense to compensate for Parker's individual defensive shortcomings.
So, as soon as Li Feng shook off Parker, George Hill and McDyess came to block him.
Li Feng was astonished by the Spurs' defensive rotation speed and had to pass the ball to the open David Lee.
David Lee drove into the paint, and McDyess came to help. He wanted to go one-on-one.
But McDyess's defense was tough. David Lee couldn't break free despite turning left and right, so he passed to Duhon.
Seeing that the shot clock was running out, Duhon was forced to shoot hastily!
Clang!
It bounced off the rim, and Duncan secured the rebound.
This is the Spurs, their defensive formation seamless, preventing the Knicks from finding shooting opportunities.
Duncan made a long pass to the French spur, Tony Parker.
Parker seemed to have inline skates on his feet, crossing half-court in just a few steps.
Li Feng accelerated at the same time, trying to chase him, but was blocked by George Hill.
This is the Spurs' ultimate team basketball.
Teammates without the ball were all helping, making the tactic successful.
Parker drove to the basket and scored a reverse layup against Duhon's defense!
2:0!
The Spurs drew first blood.
San Antonio is a small city, so the Spurs have become the most beloved team by its residents.
With Parker's basket, the home crowd erupted in cheers.
After years of cohesion, Parker had become the sharpest dagger in the Spurs' arsenal!
Li Feng felt a sense of unease.
The Spurs' defense was airtight, effectively limiting Li Feng.
The Knicks' offense, Li Feng had the ball again.
George Hill continued to stick to him. Li Feng changed his strategy; instead of shaking Hill off, he stayed close to him.
The purpose of this was to prevent the Spurs' help defense from rotating.
As expected, George Hill stayed glued to Li Feng, following him past half-court.
For Li Feng, George Hill's individual defense was average. Li Feng feigned a drive, throwing George Hill off balance.
Then, Li Feng quickly pulled the ball back!
Smooth!
Hill was shocked and it was too late to recover.
Swish!
Li Feng hit a three-pointer from a meter beyond the three-point line!
The Spurs' home crowd fell silent.
Li Feng's extremely long three-pointers were terrifying.
Although Li Feng had shown his long-range shooting ability multiple times in the previous two games, witnessing it live was still awe-inspiring.
After the basket, the Knicks players' morale soared.
The Spurs were a championship contender, and the Knicks players felt immense pressure.
3:2, the Knicks led temporarily.
The Spurs' offense, Parker brought the ball past half-court again.
Li Feng voluntarily switched with Duhon to defend Parker.
Parker didn't try to overpower Li Feng and immediately called for a screen. Duncan moved up to the high post and set a solid screen on Li Feng.
The little spur drove into the paint again.
Gallinari came up to block, but the little spur changed direction, stopped, and jumped, scoring two more points!
It had to be said that Parker was thriving in the Spurs' system, his offense was too sharp.
In later years, Parker received high praise. Although his historical ranking among point guards was not high, some fans jokingly said—
"Parker isn't the best point guard; he's just responsible for sending the best point guards home!"
On the next possession, Li Feng tried the same tactic, but the Spurs immediately made an adjustment.
As soon as Li Feng crossed the half-court line, Parker came to double-team Li Feng with George Hill.
Li Feng was forced to pass to his teammate Duhon.
Duhon drove to the paint, intending to pass to David Lee near the baseline.
David Lee went up for a strong layup, but the veteran Duncan showed no mercy and sent it back with a block, WHAP!
The ball was swatted out of bounds.
If it were another center, they would have roared to the sky, but Duncan lived up to his nickname, "The Admiral."
He acted as if nothing had happened, his face expressionless, directing his teammates to continue their defense.
With only just over 3 seconds left on the shot clock, Jeffries inbounded the ball from the baseline to Gallinari.
Gallinari, guarded by Jefferson, lofted his shot, but unfortunately, it was a complete miss.
McDyess grabbed the ball and immediately launched a counter-attack.
The Spurs' offensive rhythm was originally very slow, but after the arrival of Parker and Ginobili, the tempo also quickened.
McDyess passed to Parker, and the little spur once again crossed half-court.
Li Feng couldn't stand it anymore.
Parker had already scored two consecutive baskets; he had to be stopped!
George Hill once again stood in Li Feng's way, but Li Feng was prepared. With a spin, he shook Hill off.
At this moment, Parker was nearing the three-point line, and Li Feng had just crossed half-court.
But Li Feng began to accelerate, using his league-best first step. He came from behind but arrived first, instantly catching up to Parker.
The Spurs' home fans were stunned.
Parker was known for his incredible speed; they were accustomed to seeing Parker outrun others.
In this situation, no defender could catch up to Parker.
But Li Feng caught up!
Just as Parker was going for a low layup, Li Feng leaped into the air, waved his right hand, BAM!
A board-rattling block!
Li Feng didn't use too much force, as Parker was a guard. The important thing was to regain possession.
The ball bounced off the backboard, and Li Feng grabbed it, launching a fast break.
Duncan, with his experience, knew something was wrong when he saw Li Feng catching up.
So he immediately directed his teammates to get back on defense quickly!
As soon as Li Feng reached half-court, he found himself double-teamed.
You had to give it to them; the Spurs' discipline was too strong. Li Feng's excellent counter-attacking opportunity was stifled.
The Knicks fell into half-court offense. Li Feng was double-teamed and had to pass the ball to Gallinari.
Gallinari used David Lee's screen and shot a three-pointer!
Unfortunately, it missed again!
In fact, this was the typical offensive pattern for the Knicks; it had been like this since last season.
McDyess grabbed the rebound and initiated a counter-attack.
Li Feng, with a stern face, directed his teammates to get into position quickly.
There could be no relaxation against the Spurs.
Duncan dropped to the low post, and Parker passed the ball to him.
In his first few years in the league, Duncan was the Spurs' primary offensive option.
Now, Duncan had relinquished some of the shot opportunities, and his attempts were fewer.
But facing these Knicks interior players, Duncan could still dominate, so he signaled for the ball.
Upon receiving the ball, David Lee stepped up to contest, and Jeffries came to double-team.
Duncan showed no fear. Facing the double-team, he first used his strength to resist, pushed David Lee away, and then with a flick of his left hand, kissed the glass for a basket!
Another classic bank shot, Duncan's signature move.
The Spurs scored two more points!
The Knicks found themselves in a tough battle.
With 5 minutes and 33 seconds left in the first quarter, it was time for the official timeout. The score was 12:5, with the Spurs leading by seven points.
Li Feng had scored all 5 of the Knicks' points.
D'Antoni, holding his clipboard, loudly instructed the Knicks players to focus on screens and cuts during their offense.
Li Feng remained silent. This was the toughest defense he had faced since he started playing basketball.
Even against the Dream Team, the defensive intensity wasn't as high as the Spurs'.