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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.
The return of Itachi
I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.
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***
On April 25, 2005, the NBA announced this season's Rookie of the Year:
Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats won the award.
Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls unfortunately lost to his college teammate.
Both had won three Rookie of the Month awards, but the winning Emeka Okafor prevailed as a core player.
This minor award did not spark much discussion among commentators, who were all busy "holding a meeting" about Tim Duncan.
In yesterday's first-round playoff games, the Phoenix Suns narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets, and the Timberwolves upset the San Antonio Spurs.
96:87, the San Antonio Spurs once again suffered an opening loss.
What made fans even more incredulous was that in the fourth quarter, the San Antonio Spurs missed 17 consecutive shots, with star player Tim Duncan leading the brick-laying, going 0-for-7 in the quarter, angrily racking up 0 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
For the entire game, Duncan was 7-for-22 from the field and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 turnover.
Coupled with Tony Parker's performance of 6-for-17, 12 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 5 turnovers, Gregg Popovich was helpless and could only watch his team lose at home.
After the game, Duncan did not make excuses for himself, so Gregg Popovich had to explain for his star player:
"Plantar fasciitis has affected Tim, and he has been playing with injuries all year."
"..."
Of course, commentators didn't buy this excuse, and Kevin Garnett, after winning the game, excitedly taunted:
"After the regular season, most players have some injuries, but we never use injuries as an excuse for losing."
"I'm even less interested in exposing my weaknesses. On the court, I will maintain my tough attitude!"
"As for the league's second-Best record, we don't care at all. The playoffs are a new stage, and now we have gained the initiative."
After saying these words, the tough guy Kevin Garnett showed a resolute gaze and even patted himself twice.
Many sports reporters exclaimed that this was a true star.
Of course, victory was inseparable from championship guard Sprewell, who also boasted when interviewed after the win:
"I've told Kevin how to lead a championship team, and obviously, with my help, the Timberwolves have become more mature!"
"As for the San Antonio Spurs, no one is afraid of them. Three All-Stars? Who cares about that in the playoffs?"
"Lee told me that the most important thing in the playoffs is to respond, and I'm glad everyone did that."
Sprewell displayed a "I'm the real boss" expression during the locker room interview.
This pronouncement of his wisdom surprisingly earned him even more respect.
Kevin Garnett, who broke a Rookie's tooth this season, sometimes had less prestige within the team than the championship guard.
For a while, multiple sports media outlets once again praised Sprewell.
New York fans, however, didn't pay attention to these matters.
After Clay Lee broke records, the MVP award was only a matter of time.
Fans were more concerned about Pau Gasol's condition, hoping that the first-round "easy win" games could activate the big man, whose attendance rate was only average.
Playing 30 minutes, Pau Gasol was 6-for-12 from the field, 5-for-6 from the free-throw line, with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.
Although he occasionally missed easy shots, his jump shot was very good.
After last night's game, Pau Gasol confidently stated his physical condition during an interview:
"I no longer feel pain in my left foot. As the playoffs progress, my physical condition should get better and better!"
"The team's medical staff is excellent, and they deserve more praise."
Most column articles praised last night's game, but some newspapers were subtly criticizing James Dolan:
"Clay Lee's presence has driven up New York Knicks ticket prices, and the Dolan Family is trying to monopolize the sports industry!"
"They don't care about the West Side residents, nor do they care about City Hall's planning. This is precisely the arrogance of billionaires."
Regardless of the mockery in the newspapers, the power of Old Charles and his good son as billionaires was undeniable.
A coalition of West Side residents, elected officials, and community groups has again filed a lawsuit against MAT, continuing to block the agency from building a stadium for the Jets!
This was already the fourth legal challenge.
Before this, MSG, several transportation regulatory agencies, and good governance groups had also filed lawsuits.
Neither side was backing down.
A State Supreme Court judge had already confirmed that a lawsuit hearing would be held on May 3, and this battle was likely to continue until June.
That night's game excited Chinese sports media as Yao Ming strongly rebounded in Game 2!
With only 10.4 seconds left in the game, Coach Mike Brown did not call a timeout.
Tracy McGrady dribbled past half-court and hit a long two-point pull-up jumper from the right wing to win the game at the buzzer.
113:111, the series score was now 2:0, and the Houston Rockets had seized absolute control!
Yao Ming was 13-for-14 from the field and 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, putting up 33 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, and 1 turnover.
His 33 points were also the highest in the game.
No longer plagued by foul trouble, Yao Ming dominated his opponent.
Playing 47 minutes, Tracy McGrady was 10-for-19 from the field, 1-for-2 from three-point range, and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line, achieving near triple-double stats with 28 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks, and 4 turnovers.
The strategy of giving the ball to Tracy McGrady was exceptionally successful, and Coach Mike Brown became a legend in one game!
At the end of the game, Yao Ming looked much more relaxed.
He, of course, knew he was highly anticipated and had been "criticized" by fans after Game 1, but fortunately, he proved himself again tonight.
Yao Ming was exceptionally modest during his interview, but Tracy McGrady, feeling overconfident, once again spoke to the media:
"I found myself again! We will get the match point when we return home."
"Thanks to Coach Mike Brown's trust, maybe the coaching staff can start thinking about our next opponent!"
"..."
On tuesday, the 26th, commentators began to hotly discuss the possibility of the Houston Rockets upsetting their opponents.
Mark Cuban had been complaining about division issues, and after losing two home games in a row, he started to grumble about the referees' officiating standards.
This eccentric owner always maintained a big-mouthed demeanor in front of the media.
Seeing the Dallas Mavericks about to lose, some people jumped on the bandwagon to mock the billionaire.
Donald Trump, who was preparing to film "The Apprentice," took the opportunity to mock his opponent:
"Last June, when ESPN interviewed me, they asked me a question: 'Who in the sports world should be fired?'"
"Before, I didn't have a definitive answer, but now Mark Cuban is the answer. He won't succeed."
"Complaining to the referees might win them a game, but Cuban can't win a championship."
The success of the third season made Donald feel triumphant.
This reality show had become the favorite program for American households with an annual income of over $100,000.
It was currently New York's Sports Week, and Donald naturally took advantage of the buzz, even boastfully stating:
"In a few months, Clay will also invite me to watch a game in the UK. Fans in the UK will see me very soon!"
NBC's show was indeed very popular, but many media reporters were speechless after hearing this remark.
This billionaire was overly confident, and not everyone liked his flamboyant personality.
TNT was still warming up for the day's game.
They would be broadcasting Game 2 between the Nets and the New York Knicks.
Charles Barkley, the big mouth, had been lambasting Jason Kidd for two days.
Receiving no response, he turned his attention to Vince Carter:
"If Jason Kidd will never live up to fans' expectations, then Vince Carter has not been a qualified leader since entering the league."
"What is he afraid of? Is he worried about his stats?"
"It's incomprehensible that facing Raja Bell and Tayshaun Prince, Vince Carter couldn't display his dominance. He seems to have forgotten that he is an All-Star player!"
Kenny Smith was somewhat caught off guard seeing his partner suddenly blast Vince Carter today, but he eventually cooperated and added:
"The loss isn't entirely Vince Carter's fault. The big men also failed to deliver the expected dominance."
"Actually, I'd like to commend Jason Kidd's control of the game. They only had 9 turnovers in total."
"To win the game, scoring consistency is key. Vince Carter definitely needs to adjust his shooting touch."
Ernie Johnson had also seen related reports from his colleagues.
After the two offered their opinions, they began to joke about the Nets' predicament:
"Many people believe that Frank will find it difficult to make many adjustments, but in the playoffs, getting the ball to your core players can often solve problems."
"Passing the ball to Vince Carter seems to be the consensus. If Vince Carter has an explosive performance, perhaps they will secure an away victory."
Charles Barkley disliked the Nets' silent, reserved demeanor after their loss, and at this moment, he mercilessly mocked them again:
"We don't know the outcome yet, but I'm certain the Nets will save on airfare."
"If they move to Brooklyn in the future, they might even save on bus fares!"
"."
The ridiculed Nets players still didn't give much of a response before the game started.
It had become almost a routine for Jason Kidd to underperform when facing Clay Lee, and Vince Carter, having been hurt by the media, disliked dealing with reporters.
Frank wanted to relieve pressure on his players, but no one cared about his opinion.
Ultimately, Richard Jefferson made a strong statement in an afternoon interview:
"I'll get more playing time tonight. We don't want to go back home down 0-2."
"As for the wrist injury, I feel a bit better. I will help the team with my performance!"
The bald Jefferson became the toughest player on the Nets.
As for Jason Kidd, the point guard still hadn't accepted an interview, seemingly still in a self-isolated state.
The game that night tipped off at 8 PM, and the New York fans were already hyping themselves up outside the Madison Square Garden.
This year's schedule was indeed very favorable.
Although they didn't achieve 70 wins, the New York Knicks would set an incredible record by reaching the conference finals for nine consecutive seasons!
With only a little over a day of rest, neither team made many adjustments.
At 7:30 PM, Madison Square Garden became lively again.
For the last home game of the first round, the fans erupted with tremendous energy.
At the TNT commentary desk, Kevin Harlan saw that the Nets hadn't changed their starting lineup and simply commented:
"Frank is still trying to establish some advantage in the paint, using rebounds to suppress the opponent's fast breaks."
"Kostic has earned the coaching staff's trust, but I'm more eager for Jason Kidd to respond."
Doug Collins smiled at this point, and thinking of Jason Kidd, he tactfully said:
"Clay Lee's appearance has shown us the upper limit of a combo guard!"
"Compared to Clay Lee, Jason Kidd is a traditional guard. He has excellent passing vision and can mobilize teammates to execute tactics efficiently."
"But when facing the New York Knicks, just doing that isn't enough. Jason Kidd must respond from beyond the arc."
"If he can't break through Lee's Defense, then he should make those wide-open three-pointers!"
Kevin Harlan unconsciously ran a hand through his curly hair.
In the games he had commentated, Jason Kidd had never efficiently responded from beyond the arc when facing Clay Lee.
Before the game, TNT reporter Craig Sager interviewed the very low-key Tayshaun Prince.
Hearing the question about defending Vince Carter, Tayshaun Prince's expression was calm, and he simply said:
"It's not a simple matter. Many times, I just make sure I don't get out of position."
"When the opponent drives to the paint, they will be met with help Defense, and what I need to do is disrupt Vince Carter's shot!"
"If Vince manages to score continuously in tonight's game, I wouldn't be surprised, because Lee will respond."
In the previous game, Vince Carter exploded in the second quarter but went cold in the third.
Craig Sager felt that Tayshaun Prince's Defense played a role, and after hearing the answer, he immediately smiled and wished him good luck:
"Good luck tonight, I think this will be a wonderful matchup!"
Tayshaun Prince smiled at the camera.
He didn't think the opponent could bounce back.
Instead, the New York Knicks still had room for improvement.
After Game 1 of the playoffs, Jason Kidd, who entered a "post-game silence" state, became even more silent these past two days.
During the introduction, Jason Kidd didn't retaliate when mocked by the fans.
When the referee called both teams to center court, Vince Carter also seemed to have been affected, showing little emotion.
"Let's go New York Knicks!."
Amidst the cheers, Lee still customarily bumped fists with the Nets players.
Looking at Lee's smiling face, Jason Kidd suddenly had the illusion that he had fallen into a time loop.
While slightly distracted, Pau Gasol again tipped the ball to his team's half-court.
Jason Kidd reacted, and the familiar scene reappeared.
Lee had already dribbled past half-court.
Jason Kidd, who had reacted, wanted to call Brian Scalabrine, but the basketball had already flown into Pau Gasol's hands.
The New York Knicks players quickly got into position, with Raja Bell and Tayshaun Prince accelerating towards the baseline.
Kurt Thomas and Pau Gasol were already standing near the elbow.
Jason Kidd saw the big man still moving and quickly turned to remind Collins.
Kurt Thomas came to the three-point line at this time.
Lee first moved horizontally, then accelerated and back-cut.
Hearing his teammate's reminder, Collins still failed to keep up with Lee, who cut in using the screen.
Pau Gasol made the pass immediately.
Near the lower left of the basket, Lee received the ball, held it with his left hand, ignored Jason Kidd behind him, and threw the ball towards the backboard.
"Thud, swish!" A successful bank shot.
Cheers erupted.
Jason Kidd, who received the ball on the baseline, slapped the basketball heavily, waved his hand in annoyance, and quickly signaled a play.
Brian Scalabrine arrived early at the top of the arc to receive the ball.
As Jason Kidd passed, he ran towards the right wing.
On the other side, Vince Carter took a hand-off from a teammate, and the three quickly passed the ball around.
Kostic came up to screen, and Brian Scalabrine ran to the left baseline.
When Vince Carter put the ball down with his left hand and initiated a pick-and-roll at the top of the arc, Raja Bell struggled to get through the screen, and Pau Gasol had already dropped back to defend.
After a between-the-legs dribble, Vince Carter, holding the ball with his right hand, lowered his center of gravity.
Observing Pau Gasol collapsing early into the paint, he immediately passed the ball back to Kostic, who had already rolled away, before even breaking through to the free-throw line.
Near the left elbow, Pau Gasol symbolically raised his right arm.
Kostic adjusted slightly after receiving the ball, then immediately jumped and shot!
"Clang!"
The determined offense failed to convert into points.
As Raja Bell and Vince Carter crowded together, Kurt Thomas boxed out Collins behind him, and Pau Gasol, who had timely collapsed, easily secured the rebound.
Cheers erupted again.
Clay Lee received the ball and actively sped up, chasing the opponent across half-court.
Jason Kidd, constantly sliding, called for teammates to help defend.
Brian Scalabrine, who had just retreated to the right wing, immediately came up to double-team.
Near the Logo, Lee, unable to be double-teamed, passed the ball to Tayshaun Prince, who was temporarily unguarded.
The latter had just received the pass when Collins rotated over from the paint, raising his right arm, attempting to interfere.
Pump fake.
Tayshaun Prince took advantage of the opponent's shifting weight forward, put the ball down with his right hand, and drove forward.
Collins quickly slid backward to his left.
At the same time, Kostic in the paint was in a one-on-two situation and loudly called for his teammates to stick tightly to their assignments.
Driving forward, Tayshaun Prince took long strides, then stopped abruptly at the restricted area.
Collins lost his defensive position and symbolically jumped to interfere.
Shooting over the Defense, Tayshaun Prince didn't feel good about it and immediately called out "rebound" to everyone as he released the ball.
Kostic was squeezed between Pau Gasol and Kurt Thomas under the basket.
Jason Kidd had just turned to look at the rebound's position, but Lee was a step ahead, rushing into the paint and grabbing the long rebound immediately.
Rushing back to defend, Jason Kidd tried to interfere, but Lee just leaned into the Defense, then changed direction between his legs, moving forward.
Jason Kidd, whose defensive movement was too large, almost collided with him.
Before he could react, Lee took a step, leaned forward, instantly shook off the Defense, and in the paint, threw the ball towards the rim with his left hand!
"Swish!" Two points again.
Frank on the sidelines kept loudly reminding his players to stay focused.
Receiving the ball from the baseline again, Jason Kidd advanced quickly.
Near the three-point line at the top of the arc, he again sent a cross-court pass.
Brian Scalabrine, running to the right wing, used a teammate's screen to pop out and receive the ball.
He had just received Jason Kidd's pass and hadn't even had time to secure the ball when Tayshaun Prince's right hand precisely poked the ball away.
After dropping the ball, Brian Scalabrine watched Tayshaun Prince squeeze past him and could only foul.
"Boo!"
The exciting fast break didn't happen, which angered the New York fans, who immediately booed the white forward.
After the opening, the Nets seemed to be in a scoring drought.
At the commentary desk, Kevin Harlan subconsciously asked his partner:
"Doug, how can the Nets change the situation on the court?"
Doug Collins suddenly became speechless, then dryly offered some platitudes:
"Stay patient, the five players on the court need to be more focused, and try to get the ball to the player with the Best chance!"
Loud cheers interrupted their commentary.
Jason Kidd frowned, constantly reminding his teammates about defensive positioning.
The Nets players also knew they had to get this stop.
Seeing Lee cross half-court, they all started communicating loudly.
Jason Kidd took the lead in defending, but just as he moved his feet, Kurt Thomas and Pau Gasol simultaneously moved up.
At the top of the arc, the sudden double screen allowed Lee to change direction between his legs, instantly shaking off Jason Kidd's Defense.
Seeing Lee, holding the ball with his left hand, come to the three-point line, Collins, who was trailing him, quickly spread his arms and stepped forward to delay.
As his opponent moved horizontally, Lee pushed the ball to change direction, shaking his body to the front right while changing direction in front of his body again near the free throw line.
The large-scale push-ball change of direction forced Collins to shift his center of gravity, and the in-front-of-body change of direction that made the basketball disappear forced the big man to stand rooted to the spot.
Lee, who had switched back to his left hand, ignored the pursuit from behind and broke through to the basket in a blink of an eye.
Kostic, who was recovering, hadn't even had time to jump when Lee, charging up in three big strides, grabbed the ball with his left hand and slammed it directly into the hoop!
"OH—!"
"What a play by Clay Lee!"
Seeing Lee posing for the camera under the basket, Kevin Harlan also raised his voice, and Doug Collins could only exclaim:
"Too fast! It's very difficult for a big man on the perimeter to make an effective Defense."
"Perhaps Frank lowering the lineup height is a better option."
It was the familiar opening deficit again, and Kidd was a bit anxious, once again speeding up the pace.
After crossing half-court to the left wing, Kidd, holding the ball with his left hand, accelerated horizontally against Lee's Defense.
At the same time, Carter started from the left baseline corner, came to the perimeter, and went around the outside.
Without stopping, Kidd subtly delivered a behind-the-back pass, then continued to run to the baseline corner.
The moment Carter received the ball, Raja Bell reacted half a beat late, and then saw his opponent suddenly gather the ball.
From the left wing, Carter, who received the pass, suddenly shot a long-range three-pointer!
"Bang!"
A cold arrow shot, another miss, and the rebound was secured by Kurt Thomas.
Near the baseline, Lee immediately accelerated after receiving the ball, instantly surpassing the Nets' retreating big men.
"Wow!"
The cheers became particularly piercing.
Carter had already returned to half-court, completely abandoning Raja Bell, attempting to cooperate with Kidd to complete a double-team early.
At the mid-court line, Lee suddenly pushed the ball to change direction, failing to shake off Kidd's tight Defense, but the moment he switched to his right hand, he immediately flung the ball to the right baseline corner.
Raja Bell had been adjusting his footwork and happened to arrive at the sideline the moment he received the ball.
Undefended, Raja Bell, steadying his center of gravity, made a slight adjustment and immediately shot a transition three-pointer!
Carter's side-on close-out Defense had no effect, and after landing, he turned his head to see the basketball swish through the net.
0:9, a familiar start, Carter was stunned for a moment.
The roaring Madison Square Garden made it impossible for the Nets players to hear their teammates' shouts.
After the inbound pass, Kidd could only quickly signal a play.
Kostic got the reminder and, after a baseline cross-screen, came to the left low post to demand the ball.
Kidd delivered the pass, and from the left wing, Lee immediately collapsed with the ball.
Kurt Thomas's Defense blocking the baseline prevented Kostic from turning immediately after receiving the ball, and Lee's help-Defense forced the big man to pass the ball back to Kidd.
Although it was an open jump shot opportunity, Kidd did not choose to shoot, but cautiously waved Carter over to receive the ball.
Prince followed out, and in the ensuing entanglement, Carter, who had come out to the three-point line, was unable to receive the pass from his teammate immediately.
When Lee recovered to defend Kidd, the latter simply directed Collins to come up for a pick-and-roll.
A localized 2-on-2 situation on the left wing.
Using the screen to shake off Lee's pursuit, Kidd, holding the ball with his left hand, drove straight to the basket.
Pau Gasol, in drop Defense, adjusted his footwork in time.
Kidd leaned forward and attempted a scoop layup, but was ultimately bothered by the long arm.
The basketball bounced off the rim, and Lee, who had retreated into the paint, immediately secured the rebound.
Kostic hadn't even reacted when Lee suddenly dribbled forward, squeezing past him on his right side, with the basketball passing on the other side.
The moment of the dribble-drive move, Madison Square Garden erupted again, and Lee, who regained control of the basketball, charged faster and faster.
Carter accelerated in hot pursuit from the other side.
At the right elbow, before any physical contact occurred between the two, Lee smoothly delivered a behind-the-back pass.
Raja Bell, trailing on the other side, received the ball completely undefended, and after three big strides, he slammed it down with both hands for another two points!
0:11, Frank couldn't hold on any longer and immediately called a timeout.
The young Head Coach was a bit dazed.
Not scoring a single point after the opening seemed like an even worse start than the previous game.
On the Knicks' side, Mike D'Antoni laughed and clapped his hands, making no tactical adjustments, just calling everyone over to wipe their sweat.
After the timeout, noticing that Brian Scalabrine was subbed out and the smaller Travis Best came on, the two commentators were completely speechless.
In the previous game, Best went 3-for-10 in garbage time, barely scoring 9 points, and this smaller player was difficult to contribute much on the defensive end.
It was Carter who broke the deadlock for the Nets.
After receiving a handoff at the right elbow, he used Kostic's screen and hit a pull-up jump shot.
When Lee saw the opponent make such a substitution, he suddenly missed Hill and Ron Artest.
Both of them could handle the ball, and against such small guards, they could simply overpower their opponents in the low post with their size advantage.
Raja Bell also felt a bit frustrated looking at the smaller player in front of him.
His opponent was sticking to his side, clearly not giving him any more offensive opportunities.
Amidst the cheers, Lee waved his hand before even crossing half-court, then accelerated to the left wing.
After a baseline cross-screen, Pau Gasol came to the left block area to post up for the ball.
Clay Lee delivered the pass and then ran to the baseline, and then directly to the right baseline corner.
After receiving the ball and facing the basket, Pau Gasol, faking with the ball, noticed his teammates on the perimeter spreading out.
He immediately put the ball down with his right hand, attempting to drive along the perimeter.
Kostic slid to block the driving lane, and Pau Gasol immediately turned towards the baseline, gathering the ball while faking with it again.
To the lower left of the basket, Kostic instinctively leaned forward, attempting to block.
Using the timing difference, Pau Gasol faked out the Defense and then steadily tossed the ball off the backboard.
The basketball banked in, and the easy score left Frank stunned on the sidelines.
Best, who came off the bench, was exceptionally active.
He circled from left to right, and with the help of a solid screen from his teammate, he shook off Raja Bell when he reached the right wing.
Kidd, who had just crossed half-court, didn't hesitate either, sending a cross-court pass to his teammate at the perfect time, then watching Best miss a jump shot.
The laughter made the Nets players' faces turn ugly, and the long rebound happened to be picked up by Raja Bell.
Kidd saw Lee receive the ball and could only call for his teammates to retreat on Defense again.
Retreating to half-court, the Nets players hadn't even found their footing when, on the right wing, Lee, slowing down, took advantage of Pau Gasol setting a screen and changed direction with a push dribble again.
Collins slid in time, and the moment Lee switched to his right hand, he suddenly made a wide behind-the-back dribble.
While lowering his center of gravity, Lee suddenly accelerated, regaining control of the ball and squeezing past his opponent.
The sudden acceleration left Kostic, who had just found his footing, rooted to the spot, watching Lee come to the lower right of the basket, scoop the ball with his right hand, and score with a layup!
2:15, the lead was still widening, and on the Knicks' bench, everyone was laughing.
Kidd and Carter did not become the team's heroes in the subsequent minutes.
The smaller Best, who came off the bench, was still missing shots.
Occasionally, they would suffer a counterattack, and finally, the Nets scored again with Kostic's tough jump shots and strong attacks in the paint.
As Kurt Thomas and Tayshaun Prince of the Knicks also started scoring, with multiple players contributing, the deficit never seemed to shrink.
Kidd and Best, towards the end of the first quarter, capitalized on the Knicks' missed three-pointers to score field goals in transition.
Clifford Robinson, who came off the bench, also failed to make an impact.
Carter, who was continuously double-teamed, completely disappeared.
Aside from one strong drive to the basket, resulting in one made free throw out of two, he had no other performance.
Frank seemed resigned, staring blankly as the Knicks repeatedly hit their shots.
In the first quarter, as Clay Lee's half-court ultra-long three-pointer missed, Madison Square Garden erupted again.
The Nets' bench grew increasingly quiet.
Richard Jefferson felt as if this was a repeat of the previous game.
15:37, the game was over almost as soon as it began.
Playing the entire first quarter again, Clay Lee went 7-for-8 from the field, 0-for-1 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 from the free throw line, easily scoring 18 points.
All of his points came from the paint.
On the commentary desk, Doug Collins noticed Kidd's 1-for-2 shooting and 2 points, and could only lament:
"The era of traditional point guards is over!"
"Jason Kidd must make changes. Controlling the game's tempo will make it difficult for him to lead the Nets to a championship."
"..."
...
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