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12th man to Cricket legend. It's a cricket book for cricket lovers only.
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***
On November 22, 2006, before Thanksgiving, NBA fans once again witnessed the decline of the Eastern Conference.
The Heat, who reached the Eastern Conference Finals last year, currently have a record of 3 wins and 7 losses, while the disbanded Detroit Pistons have a record of 4 wins and 7 losses.
The Nets recently suffered 5 consecutive losses, and ticket prices at Continental Airlines Arena plummeted.
Perhaps in a few years, a ticket will only cost $5.
The Chicago Bulls, who acquired Ben Wallace, also had a rough start, with only the Knicks and the Cavaliers maintaining their excellent form.
Ben Wallace had just announced a sprained right index finger and contused wrist, and then suffered ligament damage and a fractured right hand.
The Chicago Bulls, also with a 3-7 record, are unlikely to see much improvement.
And after the Heat confirmed Shaquille O'Neal would miss at least a month due to a knee injury, basketball commentators were stunned.
The Knicks were winning by default!
Last week, they first won by 21 points against the Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards, then crushed the Heat by 40 points, and then easily defeated the Celtics by 26 points in a back-to-back game.
Excluding the Celtics, who have been trending towards the number one draft pick since the start of the new season, the remaining three teams are all potential playoff opponents.
This dominance left commentators speechless.
On Monday, the Houston Rockets visited Madison Square Garden, losing 92-110, just as cleanly and decisively.
Tracy McGrady, who made a strong comeback in this game, shot 5-of-15 from the field, 3-of-8 from three-point range, and 7-of-10 from the free-throw line, efficiently scoring 20 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 4 turnovers.
Although this was his best performance in a while, the Houston Rockets were still forced to clock out after three quarters.
Yao Ming scored 26 points, but his Defense was shot through, and he was criticized after the game.
Before Thanksgiving, the Houston Rockets returned home.
After their last game against the Knicks this season, Tracy McGrady returned to his usual form, becoming a superstar again.
A 7-4 start was much better than last season.
In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Tracy McGrady began a new round of trash talk:
"I don't care what the outside world thinks. Yao Ming played very well, and I don't mind him taking 25 shots."
"When I was with the Orlando Magic, I didn't have any help. After coming to the Houston Rockets, I'm happy to see Yao Ming helping the team. As for the stats, I don't care at all."
"Now I just want to win. I'm a selfless player."
The main reason for the interview was that Yao Ming had been playing too well, while Tracy McGrady was too inconsistent.
Even Chinese media couldn't hold back.
If the second-best player was reliable, the Houston Rockets would be the best team in the Western Conference right now!
Regarding the recent trade rumors about Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady didn't forget to speak up for his good brother:
"I know KG. I know how loyal he is."
"Everyone is talking about his conflict with the coach, but that won't affect his choice. KG is a loyal person."
Kevin Garnett, who had flown to Manhattan, was unaware that his good brother had already spoken up for him.
In the afternoon, while warming up with the team, he only offered platitudes in an interview:
"The new season has just begun. I just want to focus on the current game. Thanksgiving, a win is the best gift for the fans!"
With a 3-6 start, the Timberwolves didn't look like they could win.
Noticing Kevin Garnett's lack of his usual desire to perform, many reporters pointed their fingers at Coach Casey.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press had previously subtly mentioned that Coach Casey was stifling Kevin Garnett's energy.
With the team's poor record, some impatient fans on Reddit were already calling for a coaching change.
New York is always especially lively during Thanksgiving, but Kevin Garnett doesn't like playing here.
He silently warmed up in the Madison Square Garden, where the championship banners above constantly reminded him who the biggest winner in the league was.
Although sports media, eager for attention, would still create buzz, ordinary fans didn't pay attention to such news.
America is vast, and for most fans, national broadcasts and the Finals are the main ways to learn about teams other than their own.
Championships represent exposure and revenue.
As a big man, after signing with Adidas, Kevin Garnett's shoe sales did not meet expectations.
The so-called "Adidas Five Tigers" were jokingly referred to by fans as the "Losers' Alliance."
"It's still better to live in New York. Although it's cold here too, it's still more fun than Minneapolis! The Finals are a big stage, and I also contributed to a championship back then."
Trenton Hassell, with a shaved head, was bragging to the Rookie Randy Foye about the big games he had experienced here.
He was a man with a championship ring!
Randy Foye's slightly youthful face showed an expression of longing, and he occasionally chimed in, which made the silent Kevin Garnett's eyes twitch slightly.
He was tired of the Knicks' championship experience.
Waving the trainer away from the two, Kevin Garnett turned and walked to the other side of the court.
It wasn't that he wanted to complain, but that the Timberwolves were really too weak:
"Players who play garbage time for the Knicks are starters for the Timberwolves!"
As soon as he thought of this, Kevin Garnett wanted to question what management was thinking.
Did they expect to win a championship with a hype squad?
"Lee also recruited me back then, but unfortunately, at that time, I only wanted to be a hero in Cleveland!"
Ricky Davis also joined the bragging, as if being recruited was a matter of pride.
Everyone followed their leader to the other half of the court, and Kevin Garnett only felt "demonic sounds piercing his ears":
"Shit! These spineless guys."
The game hadn't even started, and Kevin Garnett was already struggling.
He showed a pained expression, trying hard to control his emotions.
Sometimes he really wanted to punch his teammates!
The weaker the Eastern Conference teams, the more comfortable Lee's life became.
As a veteran who had been in the league for 10 years, he deserved to enjoy the current benefits.
At 7 PM that evening, Madison Square Garden was also filled with a festive atmosphere.
Andrew Cuomo, who won the New York State Attorney General election at the beginning of the month with 58% of the votes, defeating Jeanine Pirro, also appeared at the Madison Square Garden to celebrate with the people, joining the Knicks players in giving warmth to young fans.
The elections in recent years have shown a trend towards idolization.
Spitzer, who always caused trouble for Wall Street, is currently the "incorruptible official" in the hearts of New Yorkers.
Andrew Cuomo was also not far behind.
With a full head of black hair, slicked back, he would thoughtfully pat children's heads when giving gifts, creating a significant contrast between his tough appearance and warm actions.
"It's a pleasure to spend Thanksgiving with everyone at this basketball mecca!"
"Basketball is not just a competition. It's also a symbol of unity and hope, connecting every community closely."
"On this special day, I hope everyone can feel the warmth and love from family, friends, and community!"
"I believe Clay Lee will lead the team to victory again."
The eloquent Andrew Cuomo received considerable cheers, as newly appointed government officials are always the most popular.
In the past, New York fans liked to go to the Yankees' games, but since baseball lost the championship and basketball won big, the situation reversed.
Finally, Andrew Cuomo embraced Lee with some regret.
Although he had not held a government position for the past few years, he knew that this wealthy superstar had deeper ties with the Republican Party.
"Congratulations again. I think the people of New York City made the best choice!"
Lee simply offered his congratulations and did not engage in deep conversation with the Attorney General.
Perhaps there would be more disagreements between them in the future.
Unlike LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, as an old-school player, never fraternized with opponents on the court.
After the event, while secretly pouting, he also gave himself two hard punches.
After warming up, Kevin Garnett kept bumping fists with his teammates, glaring and muttering continuously, repeatedly urging:
"Defense, don't let them score easily. I don't want to see you slacking off!"
Mike James didn't dare to refute his boss's words.
Thinking of his matchup tonight, he sighed secretly with a grimace.
He didn't want to defend Lee.
In the center of the court, Mark Blount stared intently at the basketball in the referee's hand.
Amidst cheers, Chandler jumped first and tipped the ball away.
"Let's go Knicks!"
Kevin Garnett, retreating on Defense, loudly directed from the left block.
Mike James clapped his hands to encourage himself.
In the first possession, Hill used Diaw's screen to fake a cut, then counter-ran and caught the ball on a bounce.
Diaw split off and headed straight for the left corner.
Facing the switched Defense of Kevin Garnett, Hill put the ball down with his left hand, pushed the ball to change direction, then lowered his shoulder and accelerated, forcing a drive.
Kevin Garnett agilely slid, giving up space for the drive.
The moment Hill attempted a right-handed dunk in the paint, he jumped with him to contest.
Amidst the low murmurs of the New York fans, the basketball hit the rim and bounced out.
Kevin Garnett, who had just landed, exploded again, grabbing the rebound in front of Chandler and twisting to throw a long pass to Mike James.
Catching the ball beyond the three-point line, Mike James heard Coach Casey's shouts from the sideline and continuously accelerated with the ball in his right hand.
Tayshaun Prince chased from behind. Mike James, unaffected, drove to the top of the arc, pushed the ball to change direction while changing rhythm, and switched to his left hand, lowering his shoulder and accelerating to force a drive.
Clay Lee didn't stick tightly to him but stayed half a step behind, continuing to chase.
The moment his opponent took off for a three-step drive, he jumped with him to block.
Near the lower left of the basket, Mike James tried to lean in for a scoop layup but was ultimately swatted down in mid-air by Lee, who arrived late but decisively!
"Ah!"
As he fell out of bounds, Mike James screamed.
The referee ignored him.
After landing, Lee controlled the ball and sprinted across half-court.
Trenton Hassell, who was preparing to help defend, subconsciously stopped.
The basketball did not pass through the Defense but bounced back into Lee's hands.
As the cheers rose again, Lee immediately stopped short at the top of the arc, undisturbed, and quickly shot a transition three-pointer!
"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly.
Mike James, who had fallen to the floor, had just returned to the half-court and quickly saw Kevin Garnett's "death glare."
"Defense!"
Amidst the defensive cheers, the Timberwolves' offense tried to start with Kevin Garnett, who was constantly posting up on the left low block.
Clay Lee followed to help defend after Mike James lobbed the ball.
After receiving the ball, he immediately passed it back to his teammate.
In the moment of hesitation, Lee had already returned to Defense, continuing to shrink within the three-point line, symbolically raising his left arm.
He didn't choose to attack again.
Ricky Davis came to the top of the arc to receive the pass, and at the same time, Mark Blount followed him to the top of the arc for a pick-and-roll.
As Hill squeezed through the screen, Ricky Davis, holding the ball in his right hand, immediately passed it to the cutting Mark Blount.
The latter received the ball and drove straight to the basket in the paint directly in front of the rim, but was ultimately disrupted by Chandler's twisting block.
The dunk failed, and the ball bounced into the air.
Below the basket on the left, Kevin Garnett, who had squeezed in, snatched the offensive rebound from behind his head, then was surrounded by Chandler and Diop.
Noticing Lee's footwork, Kevin Garnett again passed the ball to Mike James on the perimeter.
He still didn't choose to catch and shoot, and ultimately, after putting the ball down with his right hand, he drove into the crowd with a step-through, missing the layup.
Kevin Garnett's face turned dark with anger at the outrageous offensive choice.
He didn't have time to curse before Chandler grabbed the rebound, followed by a long outlet pass.
Kevin Garnett was in hot pursuit with long strides.
Aside from Mike James, who had fallen to the floor, the rest of the Timberwolves retreated quickly.
However, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, ran faster and faster.
As he approached the three-point line at the top of the arc, facing Ricky Davis's help Defense, he made a deceptive bounce pass on the move to find the cutting Hill.
After receiving the ball, with no one guarding him, Hill took three big steps and rose up, grabbing the ball with his left hand, and easily slammed it down with one hand below the basket on the left!
"Too fast! Among the starters, four players can initiate offense with the ball, this is the New York Knicks' fast break."
"I agree with Head Coach Van Gundy's view. To defeat the defending champions, they must play extreme Defense.
Mike James should adapt to the game's intensity as soon as possible."
The Cavaliers lost last week, but scored 91 points in the entire game.
Hubie Brown agreed with Van Gundy's post-game theory of Defense first, and cutting off Clay Lee's connection with his teammates was also repeatedly mentioned by many commentators.
Kevin Garnett received the ball in the left block, immediately faced up, and made a pull-up jump shot.
In the commentary box, Mike Breen used this topic to praise him:
"Defense is very important, and the offense must also respond quickly."
"Facing the New York Knicks, who insist on switching on the perimeter, scorers like Ricky Davis must also find their offensive rhythm quickly."
On the ESPN national broadcast before Thanksgiving, the two commentators were unbiased.
Although the Timberwolves' record was poor, they continued to praise them.
The New York Knicks' offensive pace has been getting faster and faster recently.
Seeing the double screens set up early on the perimeter, the retreating Kevin Garnett had just called out to his opponent when Lee, with a behind-the-back dribble at the top of the arc, shook off the Defense.
Chandler's solid screen made it impossible for Mike James to chase.
Although Mark Blount slid to the left in time, he was beaten by Lee's on-the-move push-dribble change of direction.
Watching Lee squeeze through the gaps, Kevin Garnett, near the left elbow, quickly helped defend the basket.
Another change of direction in the paint made Lee slow down.
Kevin Garnett, who had successfully chased back, now leaped high, extending his left arm, trying to wait in the air for the layup.
The anticipated block did not occur.
Lee, who jumped up to cradle the ball, passed it behind his back in mid-air at the moment of contact.
As the two landed, the unguarded Diaw made a bank shot layup below the basket on the left.
"Pick it up, man! Otherwise, you'll lose by 30 points on Thanksgiving."
Lee patted the glaring, posing Kevin Garnett, casually mocking the Timberwolves' strength, which infuriated the latter, who immediately retorted:
"Why pass? I know, you're afraid of being blocked! I'm going to destroy you guys!"
"Don't think I'll smile like those softies, I'm the damn MVP!"
The increasingly excited Kevin Garnett was spitting as he yelled loudly behind Lee, but when he saw Diaw's teasing smile, he almost exploded with anger.
He felt insulted.
Soon, the tough guy Kevin Garnett shifted his target.
Facing Diaw's incessant chatter, he received the ball in the same spot, immediately turned towards the baseline, and after making a fadeaway jump shot, he wildly pounded his chest:
"Watch closely, softie, I'm going to destroy you!"
Lee wasn't sure if the Timberwolves players were getting into rhythm, but the self-ignited Kevin Garnett was already on fire.
After retreating to Defense, he spread his stance, constantly slapped hands, and a resolute look appeared on his face.
Although Diaw didn't quite understand why his opponent was so excited, the Frenchman also liked to watch the show.
Taking advantage of Kevin Garnett's posing, he accelerated outwards to the left wing, actively receiving the ball beyond the three-point line.
As Lee passed the ball and quickly moved forward for a handoff, Kevin Garnett immediately switched to defend, stepping on the three-point line, lowering his center of gravity, pulling up his shorts, clapping his hands, and shouting:
"Come on!"
Just as he yelled, Kevin Garnett's shouts abruptly stopped.
Two steps away from the three-point line on the left wing, Clay Lee, who had received the ball again, stopped short, raised the ball, and shot!
After releasing the shot, Lee confidently turned around, smiling, shrugging his shoulders, and pacing back on Defense.
Kevin Garnett stood frozen in place.
When he heard the New York fans' cheers mixed with laughter, his face turned dark.
He had been humiliated again!
4:10, Coach Casey on the sideline had long been silent.
Kevin Garnett fiercely posted up on the left low block.
Taking advantage of Diaw's fronting, he skillfully turned and instantly slipped into the paint.
The anticipated pass didn't appear, and he turned his head to look at the perimeter, cursing under his breath.
Mike James's overly obvious passing motion was stolen by Clay Lee.
Amidst the cheers, it was a 1-on-0 fast break, another gliding slam dunk.
The uncomposed Kevin Garnett demanded the ball early in the offense.
After turning towards the baseline, he put the ball down with his left hand, forcing his way to the left side of the basket.
He was met with help Defense from Chandler, but Kevin Garnett still didn't choose to pass.
After a pump fake, he tried to raise the ball again, but Diaw took the opportunity to strip the ball away.
In the confusion, the ball hit Kevin Garnett's foot and went out of bounds, and cheers erupted again in the Madison Square Garden.
On the Timberwolves' bench, Randy Foye and everyone in the hype group were silent.
The game's rhythm was completely controlled by the opponent.
Facing the same tactic, Kevin Garnett wished he could defend for his teammates.
After the double screens on the perimeter, Mark Blount slid back in time to delay, and the big man raised his left arm, trying to provide physical contact.
Lee, accelerating horizontally with the ball in his right hand, came to the right wing.
After stopping short, he made two extremely quick behind-the-back dribbles, and taking advantage of Mark Blount's feet being parallel, he suddenly led the ball forward.
Watching the basketball go between the big man's legs, Lee successfully chased the ball to the right elbow.
Cheers instantly echoed throughout the Madison Square Garden.
Kevin Garnett still wanted to help defend, but Lee scooped the ball and stopped short.
Unguarded, he made a steady jump shot from the elbow!
4:14, the Timberwolves called a timeout.
Mark Blount looked at Kevin Garnett, who angrily threw a drink when he returned to the bench, his face also very grim.
He had become the team's "soft target."
The joy of basketball is usually built upon the pain of the opponent.
Steve Novak, who was once again on the active roster, had no sympathy whatsoever and was currently showering praise:
"That's so cool, Lee! Maybe we can finish them in one quarter!"
"I knew there was a gap between MVPs."
"Towel Man" David Lee couldn't interject for a moment.
He didn't expect the Rookie to integrate into the New York Knicks' team culture so quickly.
Barea and the others were also shouting loudly at this time.
It was another national broadcast where they thrashed an opponent, and they would get to show their faces again before Thanksgiving.
Coach Casey talked a lot on the bench, while on the New York Knicks' side, Mike D'Antoni just clapped and cheered, then went back into AFK mode.
In the subsequent game, Trenton Hassell continued to be invisible, and the enraged Kevin Garnett frequently demanded the ball.
The Timberwolves failed to cut off Lee's connection with his teammates.
Instead, their own tactics couldn't be executed, and it was all individual isolation plays.
Ricky Davis suddenly found his touch, hitting two long two-pointers in consecutive possessions.
Turning around, with an early double-team, Prince responded easily with a combination of shooting and driving.
In the latter half of the first quarter, Marko Jarić, who the Timberwolves subbed in, also went invisible.
He didn't score for over two minutes, and the frustrated Kevin Garnett could only loudly direct his teammates to foul.
Entering the bonus early, when Clay Lee stepped to the free-throw line, happy shouts quickly filled the Madison Square Garden:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
In the final minute, Kevin Garnett managed to keep the team in the game with free throws.
15:36, at the end of the first quarter, Kevin Garnett stood frozen at mid-court, looking at the scoreboard, his game enthusiasm almost completely dissipated.
Diaw, who had played the entire first quarter, lagged behind as he walked towards the bench.
Seeing the Wolf King no longer active, he couldn't resist teasing him as he passed by:
"Man, you got destroyed."
....
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