The team doctor had advised Curry to rest for a few more days and not play in this game, but Curry insisted on playing.
Despite his baby face, Curry possessed a remarkably strong will.
The Knicks inbounded the ball from the sideline.
Since Chalmers had blocked Curry’s shot earlier, Li Feng was determined to have Curry return the favor.
He received the pass and signaled to Curry, who immediately understood.
Curry suddenly accelerated, cutting towards Green’s position, and Chalmers immediately gave chase.
However, Green’s broad frame completely screened Chalmers.
Li Feng, without looking, flicked his right hand and passed the ball.
Curry caught it smoothly, no adjustment needed, and unleashed his lightning-quick shot. Swish!
The Splash Brothers, in sync, delivered a decisive blow, hitting the three-pointer!
This basket instantly silenced the home crowd in Miami.
After the score, both Curry and Li Feng raised their right hands, extending three fingers, and waved them assertively.
The Knicks teammates’ morale also surged.
Wade, unwilling to be outdone, drove to the paint on the next possession, facing Green’s help defense, and passed the ball to Bosh on the right.
Bosh, guarded by Jokic, made a strong shot!
Beep!
At the same time, the referee pointed at Jokic, calling him for a blocking foul.
A three-point play!
Jokic was clearly unhappy and tried to explain to the referee, but the official remained unmoved.
Bosh sank the ensuing free throw. 5-3, the Heat led.
From the opening moments, it was clear that for the Knicks to win this game, the Splash Brothers would have to perform exceptionally.
The Knicks attacked. Li Feng, defended by Wade, used a crossover dribble and two change-of-direction moves to shake Wade off.
Driving towards the paint, Bosh came out to help. Li Feng faked, and as Bosh lunged forward, he passed the ball to Jokic.
Jokic took a step and went up for a layup, but unfortunately, LeBron James’s help defense was omnipresent. He abandoned Green and blocked Jokic’s layup!
After the block, James immediately initiated a fast break, with Wade and Chalmers streaking up the court.
Li Feng, Curry, and Green quickly retreated to defend.
However, the Heat, having honed their chemistry over three years, moved the ball with precision. After three passes, Wade fed LeBron, who slammed home a dunk.
7-3!
The home crowd erupted in joy. The Heat this season were simply unstoppable!
Wade, attacking the basket, LeBron, who could do it all, Bosh, effective inside and out, and these excellent role players!
The Heat dynasty was on the horizon!
LeBron had once famously stated he wouldn’t be satisfied with just seven championships in Miami.
While it was said in jest, with this roster, winning three to five championships at least shouldn't be a problem!
LeBron was only 28 this year, Wade 31, and Bosh 29. All were in their prime, with peak skills and physical condition. Their future was limitless!
In the ensuing possessions, Li Feng and Curry actually had good shooting touch and capitalized on the opportunities they got. However, the Heat's "Big Three" had overwhelming momentum, giving Miami the lead.
With over five minutes played in the first quarter, the game entered an official timeout. The score was 14-10, with the Heat leading by four points.
Li Feng had scored 4 points, and Curry 6.
Wade had 6 points, LeBron 5, and Bosh 3.
It was evident that for the Knicks, only the Splash Brothers were truly performing in this tough battle; the other players were still a bit lacking.
Meanwhile, the Heat's Big Three were all contributing, giving them a clear advantage.
D'Antoni’s expression was one of extreme tension. He knew this season’s Heat were even more formidable, and the Knicks were a far cry from their performance last season.
Yet, he still harbored hope, and that hope rested on Li Feng!
Over the past three years, Li Feng had created countless miracles.
As the players walked to the sideline, D’Antoni searched Li Feng’s face for any sign.
If Li Feng exuded confidence, D’Antoni would feel more at ease.
But Li Feng remained expressionless, giving away no indication of his thoughts.
During the timeout, D’Antoni didn’t say much, only urging his players to be more active on defense.
Li Feng sat there, not speaking to his teammates, taking several sips of water, lost in thought.
The timeout concluded, and the game resumed with no personnel changes from either side. The same starting lineups returned to the court.
The Heat players were brimming with confidence and energy, while the Knicks players' eyes showed a hint of confusion.
The Knicks brought the ball up. Li Feng, dribbling past half-court, was suddenly double-teamed by James and Wade.
Although Li Feng was accustomed to double-teams, the speed of the combined James-Wade trap was incredible.
Li Feng was instantly cornered near the half-court line, with no space to pass the ball.
With no other option, Li Feng was forced to call another timeout.
The Heat home crowd erupted in cheers at this sight.
Li Feng had cast a long shadow over the Heat fans, and in this series, they felt he was no longer as dominant!
James and Wade were also exhilarated, high-fiving each other. Their perimeter defense, arguably the best in the league, was akin to the legendary Jordan-Pippen duo of the Bulls dynasty, impenetrable.
D’Antoni was witnessing Li Feng call a timeout due to pressure for the first time, and he felt immense strain.
After the timeout, the Knicks inbounded the ball, and Li Feng received it again.
However, the Heat’s defensive tactics were unpredictable. James didn’t double-team this time, feigning intent.
Li Feng’s expression darkened. The previous double-team had caught him off guard and embarrassed him, and he was determined to retaliate.
So, Li Feng suddenly accelerated, driving to the right. Wade quickly followed, but Li Feng spun past him, heading directly towards James.
Seeing Li Feng charging at him, James immediately understood.
Li Feng’s personality was that of a hidden sharp edge; outwardly calm, but always seeking retribution for any offense!
James clapped his hands and roared, "Bring it on! I’m ready for you!"
Li Feng remained silent, continuing his charge.
As he reached James, Li Feng suddenly turned his head to look at Jokic.
James, thinking Li Feng was about to pass to Jokic, extended his right hand.
He had fallen for the bait.
Li Feng suddenly pulled the ball back, stopped abruptly, and pulled up for a jumper!
If James had been fully prepared, Li Feng’s jumper would likely have been blocked, given James’s height, reach, and quick leaping ability.
But Li Feng’s glance at Jokic momentarily distracted James, creating an opening.
By the time James reacted and lunged forward, it was too late.
Swish!
Li Feng easily scored two points over James.
After the basket, Li Feng coldly stated to James, "You can't guard me!"
James was enraged and trailed Li Feng, spewing trash talk—
"I’m going to blow you out today, Li Feng! We’re going to sweep you out of here…"
Li Feng ignored him and motioned for his teammates to get back on defense quickly.
Although Li Feng’s move on James was spectacular, James immediately responded with a tank-like drive, scoring two points of his own.
The Heat players’ chemistry was even stronger. When James drove, Bosh and Haslem set screens, making it impossible for Green and Jokic to defend effectively.
While Green had decent help defense capabilities, he was still a rookie, not yet at his peak.
In the following possessions, the Heat maintained their advantage.
Wade, seeing James getting into a rhythm, ceded him the ball, letting LeBron play more.
Meanwhile, for the Knicks, Curry was feeling unwell and was substituted out early, with Shumpter coming in.
The deficit widened again.
With over nine minutes played in the first quarter, the score reached 28-17, the Heat leading by eleven points.
The reserve players began to enter the game.
Li Feng remained on the court. Chandler, Lin Shu-hao, Novak, and Yi Jian-lian were on the floor.
LeBron also stayed in for the Heat, playing alongside Ray Allen, Battier, Mike Miller, and Kevin "The Birdman" Andersen.
The bench lineups of these two teams were evenly matched. Ray Allen and Battier were both tenacious defenders and also accurate three-point shooters.
However, the interior defense provided by Chandler and Yi Jian-lian was also solid.
Li Feng found it difficult to operate against the double-teams from Ray Allen and Battier, but he managed to make several good passes.
Fortunately, Novak had a good shooting touch and didn't waste Li Feng's passes, sinking two consecutive three-pointers to narrow the gap.
However, Mike Miller and Ray Allen also hit their stride, responding with three three-pointers, widening the margin once more!
Li Feng’s stamina was being heavily taxed. He shook his head slightly, acknowledging the Heat’s overwhelming strength. From starters to reserves, their roster was perfectly balanced and seemingly invincible.
With over four minutes played in the second quarter, the score was 46-32, the Heat leading by fourteen points.
Fearing Li Feng might wear out, D’Antoni called a timeout to allow him some rest.
Li Feng was indeed physically exhausted, but his mental fatigue was even greater.
He had given his all to help the team. So far, Li Feng had scored 11 points, with 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Yet, the deficit continued to grow.
Li Feng truly didn’t know what it would take to defeat this suffocatingly powerful Heat team.
Was the Heat dynasty truly destined to arrive?
Unlike his previous life, the Heat’s Big Three had two more years of seasoning, coupled with Wade’s knee recovery.
The Heat now had no apparent weaknesses.
If the Heat managed to emerge from the Eastern Conference, they would likely be strong contenders to win the championship against either the Thunder or the Spurs.
The first half concluded with the score at 61-41, the Heat holding a 20-point lead.
No one believed the Knicks could possibly make a comeback given this disparity in strength.
The second half mirrored the first.
Although Li Feng led the team in several counter-attacks, managing to shrink the deficit, the Heat, relying on the powerful offensive duo of LeBron and Wade, repeatedly extended their lead!
In the end, the Heat defeated the Knicks at home with a final score of 109-92, securing their first victory in the series.
Li Feng played 37 minutes today, scoring 43 points, while Wade played 36 minutes and scored 41 points.
Despite Li Feng being the highest scorer for both teams, the Knicks were still outmatched on the court.
This game left the New York fans completely despairing.
…
After the game, the media outlets unanimously turned their criticism towards the Knicks, with a torrent of condemnation.
From management to the coaching staff and down to the players, everyone came under intense scrutiny.
Naturally, Li Feng became the primary target of their most ferocious attacks.
During their three-peat championship run, Li Feng had obstructed too many players and suppressed too many stars.
Therefore, seeing the Knicks’ hopes dashed by the Heat’s decisive victory, no one believed in Li Feng anymore.
ESPN: "Knicks' Glory Fades; Heat's Big Three Easily Take First Home Game, Li Feng's 43 Points Come in Vain."
Sports Illustrated: "Eastern Conference Playoffs First Round Lacks Suspense; Heat Advance Smoothly, Defeating the Uncrowned Champions!"
Yahoo Sports: "Knicks' Four-Peat Hopes Dim; A Single Loss Exposes Too Many Flaws!"
…
Not only the American media but also the Chinese media, Li Feng’s fan base, expressed profound disappointment with the Knicks’ prospects.
Some media outlets, who had never been particularly fond of Li Feng and were staunch Yao Ming fans, believed Yao Ming was the true backbone of the Knicks' three consecutive championships.
With the Knicks now in a slump, they finally found an opportunity.
"What is Li Feng's True Leadership Capability? This Season's Outcome Demands Reflection!"
"Knicks in Crisis, Routinely Beaten by Heat's Big Three on the Road; Li Feng Appears Dazed After the Game."
"LeBron-Wade Connection Dominates Splash Brothers; Heat Shows Champion Pedigree!"
"After Yao Ming's Retirement, Knicks Collapse; The True Core is Clearly Revealed!"
"Uncrowned Champions Stumble into Playoffs, Brutally Defeated; Where Do the Knicks Go From Here?"
"Li Feng's Post-Game Silence, Does it Indicate He Has Given Up on This Season?"
…
These media outlets were fickle, swaying with the wind, believing Li Feng could no longer win a championship.
Li Feng paid no attention to the media. Despite his young age, he had weathered too many storms. Without even reading them, he knew what they would say and how fans would react.
For now, all he could do was motivate his teammates and aim for a better performance in the next game.
Even if they lost, they had to play with pride and not give up.
During pre-game practice, Li Feng, as usual, diligently worked on tactical drills with his teammates, maintaining a positive attitude and full of energy.
Influenced by Li Feng, the Knicks players didn’t dwell in the shadow of defeat, dedicating themselves entirely to training.
Two days later, the second playoff game between the Knicks and the Heat tipped off.
Although Li Feng led the team to an energetic start in the first quarter, even establishing a seven-point lead at one point.
However, LeBron and Wade quickly responded, going on a run and retaking the lead by three points.
Lin Shu-hao, leading the bench unit, managed to tie the game. Then LeBron returned to the court, and the Heat regained the lead.
In the first half, the game was a back-and-forth affair, and the Knicks players’ performance was noticeably better than in the previous game.
Unfortunately, starting in the third quarter, the "Flash" picked up the pace again.
He made consecutive drives, drawing defensive fouls from Jokic and Green, and then dished assists to his teammates.
Fueled by the roar of the home crowd, the Heat players found their shooting touch, hitting a series of three-pointers and extending the lead.
On the Knicks' side, their interior defense was struggling. While Li Feng and Curry had decent shooting touch, their space to shoot was severely limited.
By the end of the third quarter, the Knicks were trailing by 16 points again.
Li Feng didn’t rest, playing the entire second half and continuing into the fourth quarter.
With the team’s collective effort, the deficit was narrowed to five points.
This game was much more thrilling than the first, and the home crowd was on the edge of their seats.
However, the superior strength of the Heat’s Big Three was undeniable.
Despite the Knicks’ tenacious effort, they couldn’t overcome the deficit and remained trailing.
With 6 minutes and 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the score was 96-90, the Heat leading by six points.
The fact that the Knicks had managed to close the gap to this point demonstrated their all-out effort and commitment.