8:00 PM.
30 minutes before the game.
"Boom!"
The atmosphere at Madison Square Garden had already exploded.
Too many New York Knicks fans were eager to witness yet another record belonging to the New York Knicks.
A night of milestones.
It must be a monument (monument), not a tragedy (sad).
Therefore... the fans gave their loudest cheers to all the New York Knicks players.
The deafening cheers sounded like the noise generated by a Boeing 747 taking off.
Igniting the atmosphere of the entire arena.
On the court.
"Swish!"
Ray Allen hit a textbook Three-point Shot, feeling the incredibly fervent atmosphere of the arena.
He sighed, "As expected of the number one major city, the home court atmosphere is truly intense, and the pressure is immense!"
"That's right."
Pierce shrugged, "That's why many players would rather forgo a maximum salary in a small city to play in a major city.
The potential is limitless."
"Home court advantage can boost the New York Knicks' morale and add a certain combat buff."
Garnett also agreed, then added, "However... in the face of the absolute hard power of the big three of the green shirts.
Everything else is useless.
The key is... our Boston Celtics are strong not just because of the big three, but because of the entire team!"
The entire team?
Exactly.
Like the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs, the Boston Celtics are strong from the starters to the bench.
The established impression.
The strongest players on the Boston Celtics are the big three: "Gentleman Sword" Ray Allen, "Wolf King" Garnett, and "The Truth" Pierce.
In reality.
Rajon Rondo, in his fourth year as a starter, has already performed at an all-star Point Guard level this year.
Furthermore.
He will be selected as an all-star this year.
He is undoubtedly also a big three member, but having just developed, his fame is slightly less than the other three.
In addition.
Center Kendrick Perkins, even with four bigs on the team, still manages 10.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.8 Blocking per game.
A very formidable paint enforcer.
It can be said... that the Boston Celtics' five starters are all fiercely strong; calling them the "five bigs" is not an exaggeration.
Furthermore.
The bench unit is also full of bandits.
They have "The Nuthole" Rasheed Wallace, "Big Baby" Glen Davis, and Tony Allen.
Rasheed can shoot the Three-point Shot, is active defensively, and excels on both ends of the court.
In his prime, he was one of the "Detroit Pistons Five Tigers," a genuine all-star player.
Now he can still show his prowess coming off the bench.
Glen Davis is physically strong; although his offense is mediocre, he dares to use his large frame to clash with any opponent in the paint.
His main strategy is indiscriminate attrition.
Tony Allen will be a defensive stalwart who consistently makes the All-Defensive First Team in the future, and even now, developing on the bench, he is a headache for opponents.
These three constitute the Bench Mob, capable of giving any opposing team's reserves a hard time.
"The Boston Celtics lineup is perfect, they are a championship team with plenty of game experience.
When they get serious, they are extremely tough to deal with!"
Before the game.
At the commentator's desk.
Reggie Miller analyzed in a deep voice.
"Yes."
"The Glide" Drexler couldn't help but nod, "While the New York Knicks have a 23-game winning streak and have defeated many strong teams.
However.
Facing the Green Shirts with their Perfect Lineup, tonight might be a tough battle.
Just as Reggie said, their lack of game experience might cause them to falter in crucial moments.
Of course.
This is just theory.
We can no longer use conventional wisdom to discuss the New York Knicks, this young rebuilding team.
They have broken our perception of rookie teams.
They have already made history.
Tonight... anyone could win the game. This is destined to be a clash of titans, like Mars Hitting Earth.
Ladies and gentlemen, I can't wait any longer."
Before the game.
The two commentators actively promoted the match, continuously building anticipation.
On the court.
Both teams actively warmed up.
Although the Boston Celtics were not afraid of the New York Knicks, they only had the confidence to win, which didn't mean they could win by playing casually.
They also had to take the game seriously.
The New York Knicks were even more so; Coach D'Antoni naturally knew how perfect the Boston Celtics' lineup was and how powerful their fighting strength was.
Not just before the game.
He had everyone pay attention to this matchup days ago.
Just as Drexler said, a game where both teams give 120% is bound to be explosive and exciting!
"Boom!"
Under the fiery atmosphere of the arena.
The warm-ups ended, and the starting lineups took the court. The main game was about to begin!
New York Knicks Starters: Point Guard: Curry, Shooting Guard: McGrady, Small Forward: Su Yan, Power Forward: David Lee, Center: Tyson Chandler.
Boston Celtics Starters: Point Guard: Rajon Rondo, Shooting Guard: Ray Allen, Small Forward: Paul Pierce, Power Forward: Kevin Garnett, Center: Kendrick Perkins.
"Jump ball!"
The jump ball between Tyson and Perkins.
"Clap!"
Tyson, who was taller, had better vertical leap, and a longer wingspan, was the first to tip the ball, winning the jump ball.
David Lee secured the ball.
He passed it to Curry to advance. Curry reached the top of the arc on the right, facing Rondo... he executed continuous rhythm changes, attempting a breakthrough.
However.
Rondo, with his long arms and large hands, stuck to Curry, putting immense defensive pressure on him.
He couldn't attack.
Seeing no opportunity, Curry didn't rush. He found McGrady for a screen, shook off Rondo, and looked for a mismatch against Ray Allen.
He found that this wasn't easy either.
The Boston Celtics not only had powerful offensive strength, but their defense was also on point.
"Hiss..."
Curry twitched his mouth, suddenly feeling significant defensive pressure, and quickly passed the ball to David Lee in the low post, who faced Garnett.
There was no opportunity there either.
But with little time left on the shot clock, David Lee, unafraid of confrontation, drove hard repeatedly before turning around for a short hook shot.
"Hah!"
Garnett held his position, roaring as he went up for the Blocking, giving David Lee immense defensive interference.
"Clang!"
The shot missed.
On the next possession, Curry couldn't get a Three-point Shot opportunity on the perimeter, so he faked a drive, used a behind-the-back dribble, and accelerated down the right wing, with Pierce chasing on one side.
It looked like Pierce couldn't catch him.
But Garnett's help defense tracked him again, forcing Curry to adjust his shot arc high off the backboard, resulting in another miss.
"Hiss..."
McGrady twitched his mouth, "The Boston Celtics' defense is fierce, there are no opportunities at all!"
"That's right."
Curry also looked serious, "Playing methodically, we barely get any chances; we are constantly being interfered with."
"So... we need to attack decisively."
Su Yan narrowed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "We cannot let the Boston Celtics' defense dictate our pace. We need to play our 'Run-and-Gun Cyclone'.
Bring the speed up.
Shoot decisively.
Some seemingly unreasonable attacks are our style; that's how we've been playing!"
"I understand."
Curry nodded his head, realizing, "My mistake, I was a little too wary of the Boston Celtics' defense just now!
I was hesitant to attack!
Now... I will attack more resolutely!"
"Slap!"
Su Yan and Curry slapped hands, getting completely serious against the Boston Celtics' Perfect Lineup
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