The game entered an official timeout with 5 minutes and 23 seconds played.
The score was 10-3, with the Warriors only managing a single three-pointer from Curry, preventing them from being completely shut out.
Li Feng sat on the bench, shouting to his teammates, "Our defense needs to be even tighter; don't let them score so easily!"
Though he didn't say it explicitly, his teammates understood Li Feng's relationship with Curry.
They grasped Li Feng's intentions.
Coach Don Nelson, fully aware, looked at Curry during the timeout.
"Curry, you'll be the primary scorer from now on. By the way, how is your ankle?"
Curry felt a surge of excitement; this was the first time since joining the Warriors that he was being designated as the main offensive player.
"Coach, my ankle is fine."
"Good, then when the timeout ends, Ellis will rest for a while, and Curry will be the primary scorer. Morrow will replace Ellis."
Although Ellis was resentful, Li Feng's defense against him earlier was too relentless, completely stifling his opportunities to shoot.
His moves, which he considered impressive, were seen by Li Feng as flashy and useless.
Therefore, he could only nod in silent agreement to the coach's decision.
After the timeout, the players from both teams returned to the court.
Li Feng saw Ellis benched and understood what was happening.
He glanced at Curry, who gave him a grateful smile.
However, their expressions were subtle, imperceptible to outsiders.
After Curry re-entered the game, he became the Warriors' main offensive focus. He played exceptionally well today, showcasing his signature style.
As soon as he crossed half-court, Curry attempted a super-long three-pointer!
Swish!
Three-pointer made!
The Knicks fans were generous, applauding Curry and cheering him on. They once again chanted the nickname "Splash Brothers"!
Li Feng was happy for Curry in his heart, but he still urged his teammates to have Duhon defend Curry closely, preventing him from taking easy shots.
Led by Curry, the Warriors closed the score gap, and the game became a fierce contest on the court.
Li Feng and Curry's three-point shootout became a beautiful spectacle on the basketball court, captivating the audience.
Curry played with such enjoyment for the first time this season. He made 5 three-pointers in the first half, while Li Feng made 6.
The Splash Brothers, as opponents on the court, both had a blast shooting.
The Warriors' bench was stunned, thinking, "So Curry can really shoot this well!"
Previously, they had only viewed Curry as an open-shot shooter; they had truly buried a talent!
Ellis's expression was grim; he felt the gap between himself and Curry.
This wasn't a gap in minor skills, but a vast chasm, a generational divide!
Li Feng and Curry maximized the power of the three-point shot!
As long as they crossed half-court, it was within their shooting range; it was terrifying!
Under the threat of the three-point shot, their teammates' off-ball movement and tactics underwent a qualitative change.
The space for teammates expanded, making many plays easier, while the importance of inside players was diminishing.
This disruptive, tradition-breaking style of play was embodied by these two young players.
All the fans were shocked by the duo's performance. Curry felt as if it wasn't an away game; the treatment was the same as at home.
Every time he made a three-pointer, the arena erupted in cheers.
At the same time, the fans would shout, "Li Feng! Return the favor!"
Motivated by Curry, Li Feng also delivered his best performance.
At the end of the first half, the score was 62-60, with the Knicks leading by 2 points.
Li Feng scored 23 points, and Curry scored 22, an astonishing performance from two superstars!
Of course, Li Feng's contributions on the court were more significant than Curry's, as his defensive impact was greater.
Due to his physical disadvantage, Curry's defense could only be described as giving his best effort.
...
In the TNT broadcast booth, Barkley, Smith, and Miller continued their commentary.
Today was likely Barkley's most exciting day, as he witnessed the shootout between Li Feng and Curry, which completely upended his basketball worldview.
"Good God! Is this an NBA game? I thought I was watching a comic book!"
When Curry sank another three-pointer from the top of the arc, Barkley clutched his head and exclaimed, his face filled with shock.
Reggie Miller was similarly affected. As the greatest three-point shooter of the previous century, he was considered revolutionary at the time.
However, compared to Li Feng and Curry, he was still too traditional.
Li Feng and Curry could use screens, take one step, and then execute a step-back three-pointer.
Their release point was nearly two meters beyond the three-point line...
How could anyone defend this?
"Curry is severely underestimated! In the previous 20 regular-season games, he only averaged 16 points per game and 3 three-pointers, which is far too few!"
Smith agreed, "Yes, his tactical importance on the Warriors was too low. He could only shoot open threes, completely losing his sharpest weapon!"
Barkley boldly stated, "If the Warriors build their team around Curry, they will definitely become the second Knicks. Having two unconventional teams in the East and West would be so exciting!"
Smith, however, shook his head slightly, "That's almost impossible. Coach Nelson still values Monta Ellis highly, and Curry's physical condition is not as good as Li Feng's, which might make the Warriors' management hesitate."
Reggie Miller also said, "Exactly. Although Curry's playing style is similar to Li Feng's, his ankles are a problem, and he gets injured frequently. The management dare not bet on him."
Barkley sighed, "It would be great if Li Feng and Curry were on the same team. We would see a team from a different era!"
"Splash Brothers! What a great nickname! Perhaps the two can only team up in college!"
...
Not only the three commentators but many fans were also expressing similar sentiments.
The second half began, and the game continued.
Li Feng and Curry continued their performances, and the scores of both teams escalated quickly, as three-pointers were worth one more point than two-pointers.
However, due to Curry's ankle injury concerns, his ankle began to ache in the second half.
The team doctor quickly examined him and disallowed him from playing.
Li Feng watched from afar and sighed softly.
Curry was indeed a bit fragile at that time.
Later, after extensive treatment from the team doctor, Curry changed his style of play and regained his vitality.
After Curry left the court, the Warriors re-established Ellis as their core offensive focal point.
Ellis found it very difficult to score under Li Feng's defense.
The Knicks began to lead by a large margin. By the end of the third quarter, the score was 87-72.
Ellis was furious because before Curry left the game, the Warriors were only trailing by 3 points.
But after Curry left, the Warriors collapsed.
Looking at the plus-minus stats, Ellis had a terrible game today.
Coach Don Nelson's expression was very grim; he knew this was intentional by Li Feng.
There was no suspense in the fourth quarter, as the Knicks' reserves played well, continuing to extend their lead.
Ellis did not play in the fourth quarter because Don Nelson realized that as long as Ellis was on the court, Li Feng would defend him with all his might.
Although he knew Li Feng's defensive capabilities were strong, Li Feng today was clearly targeting Ellis.
Ultimately, the Knicks won at home 113-97, defeating the Warriors by a large margin!
Li Feng played 28 minutes and scored 33 points, while Curry played 26 minutes and scored 28.
This game was destined to become a focal point of discussion among fans. A new era in the league might have begun with these two rookies!
After the game, Li Feng and Curry hugged tightly.
Li Feng gently patted Curry's back and said softly, "Stephen, don't be discouraged. We will dominate the entire league together in the future. Believe me!"
Curry's body trembled, and he sighed, saying, "I can't think that far ahead. Right now, I just want to be able to play a full season healthily..."
It was so heartbreaking. Li Feng could only bless Curry internally, hoping he could persevere.
...
In the following few games, the Knicks played well, and their team chemistry continued to improve.
They achieved victories against the Heat, 76ers, Nuggets, and Magic, maintaining a winning streak.
The next game was a home game against the Jazz.
Since the Knicks had been defeated by the Jazz on the road in Salt Lake City, experiencing two consecutive losses, this game was dubbed the "Revenge Game" by the Knicks fans!
Although the Knicks had lost that game due to playing on back-to-back nights with poor stamina, a loss was still a loss.
Competitive sports were this brutal; no one would make excuses for you.
Coach D'Antoni took this game very seriously, as games against Western Conference teams only occurred twice a year.
Having lost last time, they had to win at home.
Because in recent years, there had been a perceived gap in strength between Eastern and Western Conference teams, leading to the common saying that the West was stronger than the East.
As an Eastern Conference team, they naturally had to prove themselves for the East.
Speaking of which, the teams the Knicks had lost to were indeed from the West, such as the Lakers, Jazz, and Thunder.
However, these were all away games, and the Knicks still had opportunities to win them back.
At 8 PM, in the Madison Square Garden arena, the Knicks hosted the Jazz.
The Knicks' starting lineup remained Li Feng, David Lee, Duhon, Gallinari, and Jeffries.
The Jazz's starting five consisted of Deron Williams, Boozer, Okur, Brewer, and Kirilenko.
Having defeated the Knicks in the previous game, Deron Williams was extremely arrogant.
In fact, in that game, Li Feng had scored 2 points more than him, and Li Feng had only played 27 minutes.
Therefore, from the start of this game, Deron Williams unleashed an offensive onslaught.
The pick-and-roll between Deron and Boozer was very potent.
The moment Boozer screened Li Feng, Deron drove to the baseline.
Boozer then rolled towards the paint after the screen.
According to their tactical plan, there were primarily two variations: Deron could pass the ball back to Boozer.
Boozer would take a long two-point jumper or drive to the basket for a score.
Even if Deron didn't pass to Boozer, he could shoot jump shots himself.
Essentially, it was about adapting to the situation.
The Jazz had used this strategy to dismantle the Knicks in the previous game.
Of course, the Knicks' poor stamina, unable to keep up with Deron's pace, was also a significant factor.
However, today, the Knicks were thoroughly prepared.
The moment Deron Williams passed the ball to Boozer, Li Feng surged forward like a phantom.
Slap!
He actually stole the ball!
Boozer was stunned; he had clearly screened Li Feng and kept him behind, so how did he get there?
After stealing the ball, Li Feng didn't hesitate and immediately passed it to Duhon, who was at the top of the arc.
Duhon quickly crossed half-court and scored on a fast break!
The Jazz's first offensive possession was thwarted.
The Knicks' home crowd cheered loudly, applauding Li Feng's steal.
Deron Williams was also a popular heavy point guard in the league with a large fanbase.
His dramatic crossover dribble was one of his signature moves.
He particularly performed well against Chris Paul.
Paul, known as the "God of Point Guards," was at his peak in 2009, with almost no rivals on the court at his position.
However, Deron consistently outplayed Paul in their matchups.
This led to fans jokingly saying: "Deron eats, sleeps, and beats Paul!"
Deron was enraged!
He didn't believe this play was due to Li Feng's skill; he felt Boozer had failed to catch the ball properly and was careless.
Therefore, in the next possession, Deron decided to attack himself.
Not only was his pick-and-roll effective, but his drives were also exceptional.
Facing Li Feng, Deron faked, then executed a dramatic crossover dribble, driving to the left.
This signature move of Deron's could get past almost any defender, especially in isolation.
But Li Feng showed him today what a nemesis was.
Slap!
The moment Deron rapidly changed direction, Li Feng's right hand suddenly appeared and stole his ball!
With his SSS-class steal skill, coupled with Li Feng's continuously increasing speed, his steals were incredibly frightening!
Deron felt his hand go empty; the ball was gone!
He quickly turned to pursue, but Li Feng had already begun his counter-attack.
Deron's anger could no longer be contained; even if it meant a foul, he had to pull Li Feng down, as it was too embarrassing.
As he sped up to pull Li Feng back, Li Feng suddenly executed a behind-the-back dribble, leaving Deron far behind.
By the time Deron changed direction again to chase, he couldn't catch up.
The league's fastest first step was truly quick!
Dribble, dribble, dribble!
Bang!
Li Feng drove straight to the basket and dunked!
4-0!
The Knicks immediately asserted their dominance over the Jazz from the opening.
Jazz head coach Sloan was extremely shocked.
Deron was his prized disciple, and his driving ability was evident. Occasional turnovers were possible.
However, two consecutive turnovers at the start was too strange.
He yelled at Deron from the sidelines, "Concentrate! Use more pick-and-rolls!"
Although Deron felt unconvinced, he listened to his coach and didn't continue to challenge Li Feng.
In the next possession, Deron and Boozer executed a pick-and-roll again. Boozer received the pass and calmly made a mid-range shot.
This time, Li Feng couldn't get through, as Okur of the Jazz had screened him earlier.
Under Sloan's coaching, the Jazz exhibited extreme discipline, which was why they had defeated the Rockets consistently for several years in the Western Conference.
Li Feng shook his head slightly; he was dissatisfied with his Knicks teammates because David Lee should have helped defend Boozer.
However, David Lee was attracted by Okur.
Essentially, Okur alone drew the attention of both Li Feng and David Lee.
Li Feng walked over to David Lee and reminded him, "Pay attention to the switches. Don't get pulled away by Okur!"
David Lee also felt guilty and nodded repeatedly.
The Knicks offense.
Li Feng dribbled past half-court, and Deron and Brewer double-teamed Li Feng.
Gallinari quickly ran to the 45-degree angle, received Li Feng's pass, and sank a three-pointer!
In the previous game against the Jazz, Gallinari had only scored 4 points due to fatigue.
So today, he was fully prepared and determined to play well in this game!