Chapter 41: An Entertaining Nationwide Broadcast (Part 2)

In the NBA, it is very difficult for a coach to change a player's style of play. After more than ten years of basketball, a player's technique and style are long established. Those who make it to the NBA are often the "Michael Jordans" among their peers. Unless things really fall apart, most players prefer to stick to their own style.

Jeff Van Gundy had thought Li You would compromise for the team and transform into a traditional guard similar to Charlie Ward. But the truth was, Li You didn’t listen to this rookie coach at all and continued to do things his own way.

During the nationally televised game against the 76ers, Li You took several shots near the end of the first quarter. By the second quarter, when both teams were rotating players, Jeff Van Gundy gave a brief instruction and then fell silent.

The 76ers’ rotation lineup featured Doug Overton and Lucious Harris in the backcourt, Jerry Stackhouse and Michael Cage on the wings, and Segar Williams at center. In this rotation, Mark Davis was the main scoring focus, though his playing time was limited since Johnny Davis would soon return to the starting lineup.

At this point, Van Gundy had essentially checked out mentally.

Li You paired with Alan Houston in the backcourt, with John Wallace and Buck Williams on the wings, and Herb Williams at center. With two veterans on the court, the Knicks’ offense shifted entirely to the backcourt.

Near the end of the first quarter, Li You scored six straight points, tying the game at 28-28.

Early in the second quarter, the 76ers initiated the offense. Mark Davis drove in from the right wing beyond the three-point line but missed the layup. The crowd first cheered, then erupted in unison:

"Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks! Let's go Knicks!..."

Receiving a pass from veteran Herb Williams, Li You maintained his pace, quickly bringing the ball across half court. Alan Houston read Li You’s tactical signal immediately and cut diagonally from the right wing behind the three-point line. Finding no opportunity, he quickly ran toward the left baseline corner.

The players had just settled into their defensive positions when veteran Herb Williams stopped at the top of the key to set a screen for Li You.

Doug Overton, retreating in transition defense, noticed Li You stop and dribble behind his back, preparing to slip past the screen.

Switching the ball to his left hand, Li You slowed down, remembering the coach’s advice, and actively delayed the defense of the big man Segar Williams.

Just as the 76ers' defense was about to close in, Li You suddenly accelerated, cross-dribbled sharply, and darted forward, scooping the ball with his right hand, weaving between the two big defenders.

The crowd gasped as the two defenders collided with each other.

With the ball in his right hand, Li You drove into the paint. Seeing Michael Cage come over to help, he faked right, then took a large step left and forward.

Faced with Li You’s sudden Euro step, Cage froze, unable to react, watching him lightly scoop the ball in for a layup.

“Oh!!”

The moment the ball dropped through the net, Madison Square Garden erupted. After weaving past three defenders, the crowd rose to cheer — this was far more thrilling than just brute force!

Li You smiled as he quickly retreated on defense and high-fived veteran Herb Williams. To execute such an offense, the paint needed to be sufficiently open.

On the 76ers’ bench, Allen Iverson watched Li You steal the spotlight. Tossing aside his towel, he strode eagerly to the sideline, not even waiting for the coach’s permission—he was ready to enter at the next dead ball.

In the rotation lineup, the Knicks’ interior defense weakened considerably. Segar Williams missed a strong attempt inside but grabbed the offensive rebound and scored on the putback.

Jeff Van Gundy wanted to stand and shout, but before he could reach the sideline, Li You was already near midcourt after a quick inbound pass.

Rookie John Wallace sprinted up the left sideline toward the frontcourt, with Alan Houston accelerating as well.

Wallace dribbled continuously near the three-point line and then cut quickly inside, while Houston stopped at the right wing beyond the arc, waiting for the ball.

Li You, pushing the ball with his right hand up the middle, slowed near the top of the key, faked a pass, and glanced toward Houston.

All eyes on the two players near the sideline, Li You suddenly flung a no-look bounce pass that sliced through the defense.

John Wallace caught the ball and immediately went up for a one-handed dunk without dribbling.

“Ah!!”

The rookie’s excited shout filled the arena as the Knicks took the lead again, 32-30.

“I love seeing plays like this—seizing transition opportunities and scoring easily!”

“Sometimes Coach Van Gundy just needs to let the players run the game; that’s good for the Knicks!”

At the commentary booth, John Andaries hinted that Van Gundy’s roster management had been questionable in previous games.

Mav Albert, however, didn’t want to dwell on that topic, cheerfully shifting the focus:

“The 76ers’ defense lacks coordination. Li You seized the chance with that no-look pass—he fooled everyone!”

Mark Davis took a fadeaway jumper from the left block but missed. Rookie John Wallace contested, then spun and quickly grabbed the rebound.

The 76ers, having suffered several setbacks, heard their coach’s loud calls and hurried back on defense.

After crossing half court, Li You saw the defense set and immediately signaled a play.

Alan Houston suddenly accelerated from the right baseline toward the right elbow of the free-throw line, using veteran Buck Williams’ screen to shake off his defender.

Receiving Li You’s pass at the right elbow, Houston didn’t hesitate and pulled up for a quick jumper.

“Bang!”

The shot rattled out, missing again. Veteran Herb Williams grabbed the offensive rebound and quickly passed it back to Li You beyond the three-point line.

Noticing Li You protecting the ball while facing sideways, Herb came up to set another screen at the arc.

The solid screen freed Li You holding the ball in his left hand, allowing him to shake off Doug Overton’s close defense.

Segar Williams, the 76ers’ big man, was preparing to contest, but Li You only dribbled once before immediately stepping back and shooting a jump shot from beyond the arc.

“Lee! For three! Yes!!”

Mav Albert instinctively raised his voice, and the crowd roared in agreement.

Seeing Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines showing little emotion, John Andaries cheerfully added:

“Interesting offensive choice, showing absolute confidence in his shot! Maybe that’s why New York fans love watching Li You play.”

After scoring, Li You called his teammates to retreat on defense and loudly reminded Alan Houston:

“If there’s an opening, keep shooting!”

In the rotation lineup, the ball was firmly in Li You’s hands; whatever play was run, he decided.

Shooting, however, is sometimes a matter of luck. Mark Davis missed twice in a row, and Alan Houston responded with two misses of his own.

“Fuck!” Houston cursed quietly as his shot clanged off the rim.

Michael Cage grabbed the rebound and tried to pass to the fast-breaking Doug Overton, but the pass was too obvious and was easily intercepted by Li You beyond the three-point line.

The 76ers players were already near midcourt when they hesitated, and Li You had already dashed into the paint. Despite Michael Cage’s attempted block, Li You twisted his body, grabbed the ball with his right hand, and forced up a shot.

“Squeak!!”

Having learned from experience, Cage swatted Li You’s arm decisively, effectively disrupting the attempt.

“Shhh!!”

Madison Square Garden erupted with boos. Li You stepped up to the free-throw line as Allen Iverson replaced Doug Overton.

“Don’t think you can score easily. I’m going to lock you down completely!” Iverson shouted with fierce energy as he entered the game.

Li You simply glanced at him, smiled, shook his head, and continued his free throws.

“Kids are always too eager to prove themselves...”