On Friday, December 5, 2008, ESPN announced the Cavaliers' game early and deliberately revealed that the commentators would be Van Gundy and Mark Jackson.
This was the second time the Cavaliers faced the New York Knicks this season, and returning to Quicken Loans Arena, both LeBron James and Dwight Howard, who were vying for MVP, needed a victory.
Coach Mike Brown was a bit regretful about missing out on November's Coach of the Month (COM), but the excellent record still made him very popular.
The offensive basketball was visually much better than in previous years.
Local sports media heavily praised the new Head Coach and new system, seemingly completely forgetting Van Gundy, which made the outdated Champion Coach feel a bit sad.
During a pre-game call, he frankly commented:
"Without excellent Defense, it's impossible to defeat the reigning champions."
"Perhaps increasing the pace can make the game look smoother and might lead to more regular season wins, but in the playoffs, relying solely on offense won't lead to further progress."
"I still believe the Cavaliers should stick to a Defense system. More transition offense can only cover up the players' technical flaws."
In the morning's Sports Center program, Van Gundy stated his opinion with absolute certainty, which caused some dissatisfaction among Cleveland's sports media.
With a 15-3 record, after a big win against the Indiana Pacers, not only were the fans inflated, but sports reporters also felt that the team's current tactical system was better than before, as the record doesn't lie!
Van Gundy's cold water also split the commentators into two factions: one agreed, while the other believed the previous system limited the The Chosen One.
James's stats were even more impressive this year, and local fans naturally supported their core player winning an award!
When the two teams arrived at Quicken Loans Arena in the afternoon for warm-ups, Coach Mike Brown, who was interviewed, also didn't hold back, subtly suggesting that the old system was outdated:
"LeBron is like Magic Johnson. He always makes it easy for his teammates to score, that's his talent!"
"The Cavaliers will still have a lot of transition offense in games because we have the best defensive big man in the league. Dwight is undoubtedly DPOY-level. He can support the interior Defense."
"I feel fortunate that the team has two exceptionally talented players, and my only job since coming to the Cavaliers is to let them unleash their talent."
He was essentially saying that Van Gundy's tactics didn't suit their talents.
The completely opposite coaching philosophies of the two Head Coaches began to make more commentators discuss this game.
From a statistical perspective, LeBron James's usage rate this season reached a career high.
He no longer acted as a point forward as in previous years but became a primary ball-handler.
The change in role made the Excel look better, just as Lee could easily get a double-double if he played more than 35 minutes, James, with the ball in his hands, could also do the same.
Coupled with the league's favoritism, James, who frequently attacked the rim, also received more free throws, which made his stats even more impressive.
Finishing the first month's schedule ranked second in MVP voting was the best proof.
In contrast, Howard was not adapting well to the current system.
During rotation phases, this year's Rookie Dante Green would partner with him in the paint, which increased his defensive responsibilities.
Furthermore, with fewer offensive plays, Howard showed a tendency to become a role player.
The coaching staff didn't trust his low post game.
Although his double-double stats were impressive after returning from injury, his game content was hardly eye-catching.
Unwilling to let his teammates steal all the spotlight, Howard, who always enjoyed greeting the media, not only campaigned for his All-Star bid during an interview but also discussed individual awards:
"You know, right now I'm the best big man in the league! Even Clay Lee can't score easily against me!"
"I have a chance to win both MVP and DPOY, you can pay more attention to my performance!"
"…"
Since Kobe started labeling himself as "the best" and gained more attention, more and more stars began to imitate him.
No one was surprised by Howard's remarks, especially since there was something even more interesting not long ago.
Gilbert Arenas, who could only wear a suit to every game, also had a big mouth — "I am the hardest working player in the league, I even trained myself into injury."
Without some hype, one cannot be called a "star player."
On social media, fans fall for this.
The more outrageous the claims, the more people like them!
LeBron James also hoped to win in front of his home fans.
In fact, since he entered the league, he had never beaten the New York Knicks.
When discussing records, everyone talked about Iverson.
If there wasn't this "target," James felt he had a very high chance of inheriting this "banner"...
Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was good.
After all, winning made people happy, and everyone enjoyed the feeling of crushing weaker opponents.
Mo Williams, who joined the Cavaliers, also experienced the benefits of being on a "high-traffic team."
In Milwaukee, there weren't as many national broadcast opportunities.
He felt he had made the right choice.
"Hitman, Redz, in tonight's game, we need to seize those open opportunities."
"Redz, don't let Lee easily shoot three-pointers. Just like the Head Coach said in the video session, you have to stick to him."
Maurice Williams received the nickname "Hitman" from the The Chosen One after coming to the Cavaliers.
Hearing James's instructions, he immediately patted his chest, indicating that he was "all-out."
On the other side, Delonte West looked dejected.
He was "beaten up" when he was in Boston, and now he was back to his old role. He glanced at the boss and couldn't help but complain:
"I need help, you know, those videos are useless!"
Sitting in his seat, James still didn't say, "I'll defend."
Since Kobe was completely outplayed one-on-one, the The Chosen One learned his lesson.
To win an award, his impression score absolutely could not be lost:
"Dwight will help, you have to stick to him and wear him down from the start of the game."
James stood up and slid continuously, instructing his teammates on how to defend.
Pavlovic and Szczerbiak whispered behind their hands.
No one volunteered for the defensive assignment, which made Delonte West even more frustrated.
As the boss's number one Good Brother, Daniel Gibson naturally stood with his Good Brother and also seriously analyzed and added:
"Lee has a lot of fakes, you have to control your defensive distance. I think forcing him to dribble with his left hand is a better option! Man, you can do it!"
"No, I can't…"
Delonte West muttered softly, which immediately made the Rookie Dante Green laugh.
The Rookie was quickly glared at.
The last time they played, he realized that no one on the team wanted to guard Lee.
Even Howard, who was yelling that he was DPOY, was the same.
Whenever the Head Coach assigned defensive tasks, everyone buried their heads like ostriches.
James pretended not to hear his teammate's words and continued to offer "chicken soup," even painting a grand picture for Delonte West:
"Perhaps Clay Lee is not in good form tonight, and you'll be on Sports Center this sunday! Fans across America will praise your Defense."
His face darkened, Delonte West didn't speak for a long time.
He really wanted to ask, "Why don't the core players guard him?"
However, considering the current team situation, he could only nod silently.
James was very satisfied with this.
Someone had to take on the defensive responsibility.
As for why he didn't personally lead the Defense, the answer was also very simple:
"The MVP cannot be at a disadvantage face-to-face!"
"…"
The game at 7 PM saw Quicken Loans Arena packed to the brim, with 20,000 Cleveland fans cheering loudly from the start of the game.
The excellent record boosted the stadium attendance.
Most of the fans watching the game live loved the current offensive basketball.
The exhilarating offense ignited the home atmosphere even more.
Since Howard wanted to increase his low-post offense, his Good Brother Zydrunas Ilgauskas played more as a stretch big, involved in more pick-and-rolls and mid-range jump shots.
James went to the free-throw line after the tip-off, but in the following few possessions, his teammates missed shots, allowing the New York Knicks to seize opportunities and launch consecutive fast breaks.
At the ESPN commentary table, Van Gundy, felt a strange emotion returning to the familiar Quicken Loans Arena.
While commenting on the game, he also interspersed some of his personal opinions:
"When I coached this team, I preferred to have LeBron James take on the core defensive responsibility."
"Undeniably, this would affect his stats, but the Cavaliers also played tough Defense because of it. Defense is a five-person effort. You can't rely solely on Dwight Howard, he's not really 'Superman'."
Mo Williams's pull-up jumper from the left elbow clanked off the rim.
Watching Lee effortlessly collect the rebound in the paint, Mark Jackson also sighed:
"I agree with that view! It's difficult for backcourt players to cause much interference to Clay Lee. Even Kobe, who has been selected to the All-Defensive First Team multiple times, is helpless against Lee."
"Terrible transition Defense! The Cavaliers failed to match up in time!"
Mo Williams, who was only focused on rushing to half-court, didn't interfere immediately.
Delonte West, who was retreating along the right sideline to half-court, also forgot to switch.
Coupled with James stopping his steps with Prince when he returned to the left wing, for a moment, Lee, who was dribbling and accelerating down the middle, was no longer defended.
Ignoring Mo Williams, who was trying to establish a defensive position, Lee quickly performed an in-and-out dribble while moving, wrapping the ball with his left hand.
He lowered his center of gravity and forcefully squeezed past the smaller player.
With almost no pause, Mo Williams was easily blown by, and Howard, who had retreated to half-court, could only watch as Lee took three large steps, lifted the ball with his left hand, and slammed it down!
"Boo!"
The "passionate" Cavaliers fans once again booed, while Lee, after completing the dunk, vigorously thumped his chest and strode along the baseline, once again displaying his tough-guy demeanor.
At the commentary table, Mike Breen watched with amusement, and seeing that Van Gundy seemed to have something to say, he immediately smiled and passed the mic.
"Clay Lee has found his rhythm very quickly tonight. Is this related to the Cavaliers' defensive strategy?"
In less than three minutes, Lee had already completed two powerful dunks, both opportunities arising from transition offense.
Regarding this, Van Gundy immediately displayed his coaching prowess, once again "directing the game."
"Clay Lee is the guard in the league who is best at finding opportunities in transition offense! Tonight's game is at his favorite pace!"
"I've said it more than once: to contend with the defending champions, you must slow down the game's pace, reduce the number of possessions, and minimize turnovers."
The camera occasionally focused on Coach Mike Brown, who was shouting on the sidelines.
The black coach, wearing glasses, had a displeased expression.
Seeing Dwight Howard back down and crush the switched David Lee in the low post on the left side, driving into the paint and dunking with both hands, Coach Mike Brown finally gave a thumbs up, a smile reappearing on his face as he clapped continuously.
"Oh!"
Howard, who had completed the dunk, let out a series of strange cries as he retreated on Defense, and the fans in the arena began to cheer loudly again.
This strong response was exactly what everyone expected.
D'Antoni, with his arms crossed, still wore a smile.
The coaching staff was well-prepared for Howard's performance.
It was indeed difficult to stop the "Monster" who was in better physical condition.
This Rookie seemed to be entering his prime.
Although his movements were a bit stiff, his physical attributes compensated for his technical deficiencies.
Howard, who had just retreated to the basket on Defense, was still immersed in the wonderful crossover and dunk he had just made.
He twisted his body in the paint and clapped his hands again.
He wanted to direct his teammates and act like a leader, but Howard didn't have time to shout and instinctively widened his eyes.
With a quick baseline inbound, Lee almost chased the opponent's backside across half-court.
When he reached the right wing, he stopped, and the Cavaliers players also completed their defensive matchups.
Delonte West consistently controlled his defensive distance, never taking his eyes off Lee, but facing a simple and brutal acceleration, his instinctive slide step had no effect whatsoever.
"Oh!"
Amidst the fans' gasps, Lee, after a hop-step dribble, suddenly drove hard into the paint.
Delonte West stumbled in the right elbow area and was completely out of position, then watched as Clay Lee took a step and exploded into the air!
Howard only had time to raise his arm.
Just as he jumped, he was hit by the flying Lee, causing his body to lean back, and then a roar exploded in his ear.
Over the defender, Lee gripped the ball with his right hand, his head level with the rim, and powerfully slammed the ball into the basket, overpowering the big man!
"OMG!"
Seeing Howard awkwardly stumble out of bounds and hit the stanchion, Mike Breen gasped, then almost burst out laughing.
Everything happened so fast.
Just moments ago, the "Superman" was still grinning.
"Shit!"
Howard, rubbing his chest, turned to look at his teammates on the perimeter and cursed under his breath, his dark face full of frustration.
He had made it onto the Top 10 plays again.
12:6. Clay Lee continued to score easily, and the lead was extended again.
"Buddy, didn't they warn you not to guard me?"
Lee, smiling, loudly mocked from under the basket.
Howard, who had just straightened up, immediately lost his smile, infuriated.
If it weren't for the fact that a DPOY couldn't back down, he would have wanted to learn from Shaq and clear a path.
"You've got to stop him! Damn it..."
Hearing Howard loudly complain to him from the baseline inbound, Delonte West was also fuming.
He, too, was a "background board."
On the offensive possession, LeBron James was not to be outdone.
He called for a screen from his Good Brother, and from the left wing, with the ball in his right hand, he moved horizontally, taking long strides, and drove hard to the basket.
Facing Prince's drop Defense, James attacked with extreme determination, and finally, even with David Lee's help Defense, he sought the backboard from the lower right of the rim while in the air.
The basketball bounced twice on the rim, and to the fans' sighs, it still didn't fall into the net.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas had already rushed into the paint, but Chandler got in front of Howard and tipped the ball out immediately.
Mo Williams was completely stunned.
Coach Mike Brown on the sideline was jumping with anxiety, but the basketball was still stolen by Lee, who also managed to collect the ball in stride, narrowly avoiding a foul.
Watching Raja Bell accelerate constantly by his side, facing a two-on-one, Delonte West, who had chased back to half-court, completely gave up, watching Lee deliver a bounce pass, and Raja Bell easily glided in for a powerful dunk!
The New York Knicks bench erupted in cheers, with Chalmers wildly waving his towel and hyping himself up again.
Rajon Rondo, back in his seat, kept shaking his head and complaining to the assistant coach:
"How did they prepare for this game?"
Mike Malone just raised an eyebrow.
No matter how much preparation, facing Lee's fierce onslaught, players' psychology would change, and they would unconsciously start playing chaotically.
At this point, the Cavaliers still hadn't slowed down their offensive pace.
When James received the ball on the right wing, facing Prince's drop Defense, he suddenly shot a cold arrow!
The three-pointer swished through the net, making the Cavaliers fans cheer loudly again.
However, their joy lasted less than 8 seconds.
Clay Lee, arriving at the top of the arc, without any hesitation, drove hard with the ball in his right hand.
With a sudden stop and go, Delonte West instantly fell half a step behind.
When he slid to the free-throw line, facing Lee's wide-ranging spin move, he was completely helpless.
The perimeter Defense was once again out of position.
Howard, seeing the opportunity, immediately jumped high in the paint, trying to save face!
However, when he came into the air, with body contact and his arm pressed down, Howard found that Lee was twisting his body, pulling his left arm to the side, forcefully suspending himself, and only released the ball when Howard was descending.
"Squeak!"
The obvious foul immediately drew a whistle from the referee.
The basketball, thrown high, swished through the net, and Quicken Loans Arena fell silent again.
Howard, landing on the floor, instinctively turned his head, then his mouth dropped open, the thought of "that can go in too" filling his mind again.
This was completely different from the game progression he had expected.
As the referee called both teams to their positions, preparing for the free throw, shouts suddenly erupted in the quiet arena:
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"
Next to the paint, Howard, with his hands on his hips, was even more frustrated.
He had become the background again.
Lee patted the ball and, looking at the "big boy" who had completely lost his smile, joked again:
"Why do you keep trying, buddy? Just watch the game quietly!"
"..."
The referee, who had just inbound the ball, couldn't help but crack a smile.
Players who talked big before a game usually faced a "boomerang," and witnessing the "slap in the face" live was also a kind of fun.
In the subsequent game, the Cavaliers played more and more sluggishly.
The team was still scoring, and Coach Mike Brown didn't call a timeout.
By the latter half of the first quarter, when Delonte West's Defense completely broke down and he started frantically calling for teammates to help, the New York Knicks quickly rained down three-pointers.
JR Smith and Ron Artest, who came off the bench, didn't waste Lee's assists, hitting shot after shot!
Watching Lee, almost triple-teamed at the top of the arc, throw a behind-the-back pass, and after quick ball movement by the New York Knicks, Diaw's three-pointer from the left corner went in again, Van Gundy at the commentary table sighed again:
"Perhaps the Cavaliers can score over 100 tonight, but they'll have a hard time winning the game!"
"When the New York Knicks' role players find their rhythm early, the defending champions won't lose."
"..."
The game pace was incredibly fast.
When the first quarter ended, the Cavaliers fans, who had come to their senses, fell silent again. 39:27.
The home team's offense was good, but they were trailing by 12 points.
Playing the entire first quarter, 8-of-9 from the field, 3-of-3 from the free-throw line, 19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal.
All of Lee's points were in the paint. Delonte West, returning to the bench, his eyes were wide again.
The "Blade Guard" had been completely blown by.
James sat in his seat, looked at the silent Howard again, and could only let out a long sigh.
Perhaps the game would be lost, but there was no "direct confrontation," and for that, the The Chosen One felt a bit relieved.
On sunday, December 7th, Howard's "betrayal" became the weekend's entertainment.
After the loss, the Superman changed his pre-game boasts:
"If Clay Lee wins MVP again, I have no objections! He is my GOAT in my heart."
On TNT's show, the trio even made a parody edit of the post-game press conference. 126:109.
The Cavaliers not only lost but also allowed Clay Lee to drop a 48-point double-double.
On Sunday night, Madison Square Garden.
New York fans cheered for Iverson constantly after the game began.
Every time the Son of Philadelphia clanked a shot, it would provoke a burst of laughter from the crowd.
During the inter-quarter breaks, the entertainment seekers even shouted joyfully:
"Allen, welcome back to the Eastern Conference!"
"..."
Allen Iverson, who gave his all, played 41 minutes, shooting 5-of-18 for 15 points, but the Detroit Pistons still lost, 92:114.
Madison Square Garden was filled with joyful shouts.
The opponents left early through the player tunnel.
Lee didn't mind.
When talking about his old opponent in an interview, he spoke with solemn respect and praised:
"I like this kind of confrontation. As a veteran, I cherish every opportunity to face Allen Iverson!"
"..."
....
By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)