Chapter 49: The Mass-Produced Jordan

On December 5th, the Knicks flew early to warm Miami. Getting older made them more sensitive to the cold. Patrick Ewing immediately began complaining about New York’s weather as soon as he stepped off the plane:

“It’s only December, and at night it’s nearly freezing in New York. Look at Miami—this place is paradise.”

Having spent so many years in New York, Ewing never warmed to the Big Apple’s climate. Even in December, Miami’s lowest temperature hovered around 59 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I prefer Miami’s girls. New York’s got too many white girls. Sunshine, beaches, and girls with great curves—maybe that’s why Pat Riley chose this place!”

Charles Oakley, wearing just a white short-sleeve shirt and sunglasses, leisurely recounted Pat Riley’s romantic exploits.

Rookie Walter McCarty trailed behind, burdened with luggage, his face full of grievance. After a month of regular season play, the rookie had barely logged four minutes on the court. Oakley had already written him off and dumped all the team errands on McCarty.

Not only did Oakley refuse help from others, he even offered a lofty justification:

“If you can’t help on the court, work harder off it. The Knicks don’t keep useless players.”

This trip was also Li You’s first time in Miami, where the starkly different weather made him sigh softly:

“Compared to this, New York is really too cold. But I still like winter.”

Larry Johnson immediately disagreed:

“When it’s warm, you at least get to see beautiful girls dressed lightly. Think about New York now—they’re all bundled up. Miami’s really a great place!”

While the players relaxed, Jeff Van Gundy knew Miami would be eager to reclaim their pride in tomorrow night’s game. As soon as they arrived at the hotel, he reminded them sternly:

“Rest well tonight. Be back at the hotel by midnight!”

The coaching staff heard only scattered responses and knew the players hadn’t taken it seriously.

When free time rolled around that evening, Van Gundy found the hotel completely devoid of players’ presence.

On the evening of the 6th, Miami Arena was packed to capacity. The Heat had started the season strong, and local media and fans were singing Pat Riley’s praises.

The frustrated Heat squad, back on their home court, unleashed their trademark “iron-blooded” basketball.

While delivering physical defense, the Heat players made sure the Knicks paid dearly for any penetration—elbows came flying, and sometimes players were left sprawled on the floor.

Muscular Alonzo Mourning tangled with Oakley from the tip-off, while PJ Brown continued fiercely contesting offensive rebounds.

Tim Hardaway, having been outplayed by Li You recently, was now frequently featured on TV.

Both ESPN and TNT eagerly stoked the rivalry, and under the media’s prodding, Hardaway exploded tonight:

19 shots, 8 made; 7 three-pointers, 1 made; 10 free throws, 8 made; totaling 25 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, but 7 turnovers.

The Heat’s three-point shooting faltered badly—6 of 24 attempts, just 25% accuracy.

Yet under the “iron-blooded” defense, the Knicks’ offense was thoroughly dismantled by Miami.

The Heat narrowly won the game 88 to 82 on their home court.

Mourning and PJ Brown fouled out midway through the fourth quarter. Oakley and Johnson also fouled out early in the final period.

Mourning, playing 41 minutes, shot 3 for 10 with 10 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 4 turnovers. PJ Brown managed only 4 points.

Pat Riley’s two big men completely shut down Ewing, who shot only 5 for 17, a sub-30% field goal percentage.

Though he avoided foul trouble with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 turnovers, the frequent physical battles completely disrupted Ewing’s shooting rhythm.

With the home victory, Riley regained his composure and patted his former assistant on the back.

On the Heat’s bench, Stan Van Gundy comforted his younger brother, acknowledging the team had poured considerable effort into studying game footage these past days.

“Shh!”

As the game ended, the crowd jeered as Li You hobbled toward the players’ tunnel.

Having slid twice on the floor, his thigh hit hard twice, and with knee collisions as well, Li You was left with a host of injuries over these two games.

Tim Hardaway was also limping; the force exchanged was mutual. His legs weren’t made of steel either. He endured numerous elbows during layups and was forced to the floor multiple times.

Back in the locker room, Ewing’s mood soured. Despite Miami’s big men fouling out, he failed to seize the opportunity, certain the New York media would lambaste him again.

“14 wins, 5 losses—the Heat are rising. I don’t want to lose the Atlantic Division title again!”

The veterans exchanged glum looks at Starks’ words.

In the previous two seasons, the Knicks had been overshadowed by the Magic. Now, with that team disbanded, the Heat had surged again.

Not only had they failed to win the championship these past two years, but they’d also lost the division title. Sometimes the New York media’s disdain for the veterans was tied to those fruitless years.

Li You iced his injuries while pondering the championship. The division title came with a banner, and theoretically, one could gain a “talent” advantage.

Even though the veterans loved Miami’s climate, the team flew back to New York overnight. Tomorrow night, they would host the Clippers in a back-to-back game.

This time, New York media refrained from collectively criticizing Ewing, instead lavishing praise on Li You’s performance.

In the hard-fought games against the Heat, Li You shot 5 for 10, including 2 of 6 from three-point range, and 4 of 7 from the free-throw line, scoring 16 points with 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers.

Not only was he the team’s top scorer, but he also delivered the best overall performance. The New York Times jumped on the bandwagon with a cliched moniker:

“The Michael Jordan seven centimeters shorter!”

On the morning of the 7th, Li You nearly spat out his milk reading the headline.

Michael Jordan was apparently being mass-produced?

The two games between the Knicks and Heat had become the week’s focal point. Tim Hardaway, during the post-game interview, remained gracious:

“Li? He’s a special rookie. I don’t mind getting faked out. It’s great to see a young player use my moves!”

Turning on the TV, Li You caught the New York sports channels covering both games. Pat Riley’s name was mentioned often, with Jeff Van Gundy drawn into comparisons once again.

In the afternoon, driving Starks to Madison Square Garden, the veteran extended an invitation:

“Christmas is coming soon. Want to celebrate with me? We’re not part of the Christmas Day games!”

Indeed, the Knicks were somewhat past their prime. The Christmas games were the December highlight, but the league had scheduled only Pistons vs. Bulls and Lakers vs. Suns.

Li You, behind the wheel, felt no loss missing the Christmas spectacle—it was a chance to gather with friends.

“The young folks’ party. Christmas is for going out. Say hi to your family for me!”

Starks smiled at Li You’s words. Though he claimed not to care about the Christmas games, a hint of melancholy lingered in his demeanor.

At their peak, the Knicks had been the league’s darlings—based in New York with a champion coach like Pat Riley, beloved by the media.

In 1994, both Starks and Oakley had been All-Stars. The old guard longed for those days.

Starting December 7th, the Knicks faced five consecutive home games.

Jeff Van Gundy had finally figured out how to manage Li You’s playing time.

He would bring him in during the latter half of the first quarter, give him eight minutes during second-quarter rotations, and the same pattern would continue in the second half—keeping his minutes around 30 per game.

Facing four struggling teams in succession with staggered matches, Li You’s stats steadily improved.

After an easy win against the 5-win, 18-loss Nuggets, the Knicks improved to 17 wins and 5 losses, tying the Heat’s record once more.

At the post-game press conference, New York media no longer pressed the nearly bald young coach. Buoyed by the strong record, Van Gundy grew a bit confident:

“Our goal remains the championship. This team is more mature this year, and I believe we can reach the Finals again!”

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