On June 5, 1998, after winning Game 2, the Knicks successfully secured two home courts and then flew to Salt Lake City without stopping.

After staying in the hotel for one night, the Knicks team could already feel the hostility of the local fans towards them.

Karl Malone and Stockton have been with Jazz fans for too long.

Even though they always lost in the first round and inexplicably, after outlasting their fellow stars, Jazz fans hope that both of them can have a happy ending at the end of their careers.

Facts have proved that the body is the capital of revolution, and being able to endure the years of service is also a great talent!

The G3 game will officially start in the evening.

In the morning video class, Jeff Van Gundy, who is in a good mood, is still making chicken soup for the Knicks:

“As long as we win one more away game, we can get the match point and end the series!”

“Think about it, Karl Malone is 35 years old and Stockton is 36 years old. After two consecutive games, their physical condition will not be very good!”

“This is our chance. As long as we win one more away game, the championship will be ours.”

Ewing and Oakley both glared at Jeff Van Gundy:

“If you can’t talk, just say less!”

Noticing that the two veterans were looking straight at him, Jeff Van Gundy realized that there was too much salt in the chicken soup and it choked the old guy.

In terms of schedule, as long as the Jazz can survive G3, they will get two days of rest, plus the next two home games, the possibility of a comeback does exist.

The most important thing is that in the two games they lost, both teams clocked out after three quarters, and Jerry Sloan was not stubborn enough to consume the energy of the main lineup.

The old guys in the team are getting old, so naturally they have to use them sparingly.

Not every player is as stubborn as Michael Jordan.

Sometimes, giving up appropriately is indeed a more reasonable choice.

In short, this iron-blooded coach seems to have made up his mind to give up the away game.

The first two games can perhaps be called “tests.”

In the two games, the Jazz changed different inside combinations and generally figured out which player is more suitable for this series.

Lee touched his chin.

So far in the playoffs, everything has been as he expected.

He got first place in the regular season and had the easiest schedule.

In the playoffs, they swept their opponents cleanly and easily, without giving subsequent opponents much information to refer to.

Aside from the Bulls’ Michael Jordan three-pointer that nearly changed the course of the game, the entire playoffs were perfect.

However, most of the head coaches in the NBA have real skills, just like the bald young coach who is not good at offense but is very good at building a defensive system.

The Knicks’ defense still ranks second in the league this season despite the absence of Ewing, which is naturally due to Jeff Van Gundy’s contribution.

The guard takes the lead in defending the opponent, double-teams the ball handler, quickly rotates inside to compress the opponent’s offensive space, and finally protects the backcourt rebounds.

This defensive system inherited from Pat Riley has been further optimized.

Although the Knicks lack a tall and highly mobile inside player, Oakley’s fierce defense makes up for it.

Of course, any system and any player has weaknesses. After reaching the finals, Lee felt that someone should have figured out the trick.

Before the game that night, most sports media believed that the Jazz could make a comeback.

The biggest difference from playing away games is that when they return to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, the Jazz’s defensive intensity will definitely increase.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers lost two games in a row and their three-point shooting was poor because the Jazz had a lot of experience on defense, locking down the flashy Van Exel and also silencing Eddie Jones and Fisher.

The two old white men are average in one-on-one defense, but with the bonus from the system and their own “tough” defensive moves, ordinary players really can’t withstand it.

That night, at the Delta Center Arena, before the game even started, the verbal abuse became louder and louder.

Spike Lee was sitting in the front row again, and he was still provoking the fans, but in the end he received only scolding.

Before the game, NBC’s famous reporter Jim Gray, in addition to interviewing the core players of the home team, did not forget Lee, but as soon as the two stood on the sidelines, they were booed.

“Oh! It can be seen that the Jazz fans really don’t welcome you!”

“This is the first time we play away from home in the finals, Lee. Can you tell me how you feel?”

The boos were so loud that Jim Gray subconsciously raised his voice.

Lee didn’t care and said with a relaxed look:

“It seems to be no different from the regular season. I like playing amid boos, and it can also give me extra motivation.”

“After three consecutive away games, we are confident that we can win!”

The shouting and cursing became louder and louder.

Jim Gray patted Lee and shouted his blessing:

“Good luck, Lee!”

“.”

The Jazz, who had never double-teamed the ball handler throughout the season, completely changed their game strategy and double-teamed Lee at the start of the game.

The 35-year-old Jeff Hornacek has difficulty defending Alan Houston alone, but he is very experienced in double-team defense.

“Defense! Defense! Defense!”

The Jazz fans at the scene began to cheer loudly for the home team’s defense.

In the first offensive round, Stockton immediately defended Lee when he came to the right wing.

While guarding his right hand, Hornacek at the top of the arc also rushed over here.

Lee, who switched to his left hand, quickly noticed the opponent’s defensive rotation.

Without waiting for the double-team to be formed, the Jazz quickly passed the ball to Alan Houston who was waiting at the top of the arc.

The Jazz’s defense rotated again and Bryon Russell immediately moved to defend.

Alan Houston did not force the attack, but quickly transferred the ball to Larry Johnson near the left corner.

The “grandmama” who was left open hesitated for a moment, and finally missed the open jump shot.

“oh!!”

Amid cheers, Foster and Ewing, who started tonight, were fighting hard under the basket.

Karl Malone successfully positioned himself and grabbed the rebound.

In the first round, Lee found that something was wrong.

The Jazz completely abandoned their previous defensive strategy and began to double-team boldly, leaving Larry Johnson open.

Fortunately, the Knicks’ defense was also on point, and Hornacek’s mid-range shot after slipping from the baseline to the right blocking zone was also missed.

Back at home, Karl Malone was even more aggressive in positioning himself, hanging on Oakley and almost grabbing the frontcourt rebound.

In the chaos, when Ewing grabbed the rebound, the Knicks’ transition offense was gone.

Although Jeff Van Gundy was prepared to face difficulties before the game.

But as the game progressed, Malone no longer made accurate jump shots, but instead frequently attacked the inside, and Oakley couldn’t hold on.

With 3 minutes and 21 seconds left in the first quarter, Oakley received his second personal foul, and veteran Buck Williams had to come on the court early.

The chain reaction was that the Jazz double-teamed Lee more fiercely, and the Knicks’ offensive space was further compressed.

With each attack lasting nearly 24 seconds, Lee was forced to increase his off-ball movements, and Jerry Sloan on the sidelines also smiled.

The Jazz, who were powerless in two away games, were completely transformed after returning to their home court.

Their offense was still poor, but they relied on tough defense to drag the game back to their favorite rhythm.

At the end of the first quarter, the score between the two sides was fixed at 17:17, and the noise in the Delta Center Arena became louder and louder.

Jeff Van Gundy also realized the problem.

In many rounds, the passing intentions were too obvious and the Jazz could easily predict them.

The contingency plan made before the game was not successful.

At least Larry Johnson, who was left out, did not perform up to expectations.

The bald young coach carried out the rotation step by step, and the game completely returned to the rhythm that the Jazz liked.

Malone only scored 6 points in the first quarter with 2 of 6 shots.

When it came to the rotation stage, the tough screen returned and Stockton was finally able to break free from the pursuit and hit a mid-range jump shot.

In the NBC commentary booth, Isiah Thomas smiled as he watched the Jazz’s defense:

“This is the Jazz we are familiar with. They can always find a solution. Like I said, there is more to basketball than just offense!”

Even after getting the game rhythm back, the Jazz were still unable to take the lead.

The old guys were trying their best at this time, and Jerry Sloan kept yelling on the sidelines.

Oakley, who received three fouls in the first half, was finally ejected for six fouls with 4 minutes and 2 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Ewing, who had five fouls, became hesitant.

Thanks to Karl Malone’s performance of 4 of 10 shots and 4 of 5 free throws in the last quarter, the Jazz managed to pull one back.

At 82:87, the game ended and the Jazz fans at the scene cheered loudly.

Larry Johnson had a grim look on his face, cursed inwardly, turned around and walked towards the player tunnel.

On the NBC commentary booth, Bob Costas, who was enjoying the fun, concluded in a brisk tone:

“Back at home, Karl Malone and Stockton both performed well, and the two combined to score 49 points. I think this is the game everyone is looking forward to seeing!”

With the help of tough screens, Stockton made 9 of 12 shots, 6 of 7 free throws, and scored 24 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers.

Karl Malone made 9 of 24 shots, 7 of 9 free throws, and scored 25 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, and 2 turnovers.

Facts have proved that as long as the screen is in place, the elderly Stockton can still play an efficient game.

Doug Collins did not pay attention to the technical statistics, but praised the Jazz’s adjustments:

“Throughout the regular season, the Jazz never double-teamed the ball handler. They relied more on a zone-like position and tacit cooperation to defend.”

“Bryon Russell played a key role. Compared with other veterans, Russell was more energetic and took on more defensive responsibilities.”

Isiah Thomas seemed quite proud of his prediction:

“After three consecutive home games, the Jazz have a chance to get the match point!”

“Of course, physical fitness is also a test for veterans. Fortunately, they have two more days of rest.”

“.”

After Jeff Van Gundy returned to the locker room, he felt a sense of crisis.

If he let the Jazz lose three games in a row, even if he was the best coach in the league, he would most likely be fired during the offseason!

New York fans cannot accept the result of reaching the finals again and losing, and the management is the same. Salary represents strength.

If they can’t change the players, then change the coach.

Thinking about the high probability that Phil Jackson will not coach the Bulls, the bald young coach felt nervous and gave chicken soup again and again:

“Two days of rest, take a good rest, and remember, we only need to win an away game to get the match point!”

“The opponent will get tired and make mistakes. As long as we seize the opportunity, we can completely end the series.”

The spirit victory method was particularly useful at this moment.

Larry Johnson, who scored 10 points and made 4 of 12 shots in this game, was the first to speak out and agree:

“We’ll get the match point and finish them off in the next game!”

Alan Houston didn’t say anything, but just bumped fists with the “grandmama” to show his agreement.

Ewing performed well tonight, shooting 7 of 16 and getting a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds.

He just missed two free throws in the final moments, which made the gorilla very depressed.

Oakley was also cursing the referee.

The old guy thought that the Jazz’s home whistle was a bit too much, and even a screen could be called a foul.

Jeff Van Gundy was still nagging and giving inspirational speeches, but Lee was stroking his chin, thinking about how to deal with the double-team.

He played for 40 minutes, made 8 of 19 shots, 3 of 8 from beyond the three-point line, 4 of 5 free throws, 23 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 3 turnovers.

When he got to the away game, his efficiency began to decline again.

Starks was silent at this time.

He was not good at playing against the wind or on the road.

After two days of rest, G4 will officially start on the evening of June 8th.

By winning a home game, the Jazz got off to a good start, which also made many fence-sitters change their tune.

The heat of the finals is also starting to pick up, and no one likes to watch a one-sided game.

The Knicks team didn’t go anywhere.

After completing the training, they returned to the hotel to watch the video.

Jeff Van Gundy may not have slept well, as his dark circles became more obvious.

“It’s incredible that Karl Malone, who is about to turn 35, is still in good shape.”

After watching the video, Thibodeau once again lamented that this state is not much different from last season.

Oakley and Starks have shown signs of decline this season, and Ewing has not found his previous offensive form since his injury.

Jeff Van Gundy also thought this was outrageous.

Oakley’s defensive role was limited.

Without the home whistle, some actions were not allowed.

“Waiting for the opponent to make mistakes is also a good choice. At least Lee did not make a lot of mistakes when facing double-teaming.”

“Our starting lineup is still scoring very steadily. Maybe John and Chris will find their shooting touch in the next game.”

Assistant coach Don Chaney is still optimistic.

As long as Starks and other players in the bench lineup explode, the Knicks can score around 90 points.

Even if the Jazz slowed down the pace of the game, this score was enough to win the next game.

There is not much room for adjustment at this point in the series.

Jeff Van Gundy prayed in his heart and said confidently on the surface:

“We will win an away game. Compared to the Jazz, we are younger and more talented!”

Several assistant coaches and team staff flattered the bald young coach to the point of being flattered.

On the evening of June 8th, at the Delta Center Arena, at the end of the half-time game, Jazz fans were cheering loudly.

40:46, the Jazz entered the second half with a 6-point lead.

In the NBC commentary booth, Bob Costas looked at the technical statistics of Starks’ 1-of-8 shooting, 2 points, 2 rebounds and 3 turnovers, and sighed helplessly:

“Alan Houston’s ankle sprain and departure after the opening had a huge impact on the Knicks.”

“Coach Van Gundy may have made the wrong substitution. Obviously, Starks was not in good shape tonight.”

As if recalling the finals of that year, Doug Collins added with a smile:

“The Knicks must make adjustments in time. If the Jazz win one more game, the series score will become 2:2, and the decisive battle will still be held in Salt Lake City.”

Isiah Thomas didn’t expect Starks to be in such a bad state, and he also laughed and said something sarcastic:

“Not every player is suitable for a stage like the finals. I hope Alan Houston’s injury is not serious and he can return in the second half of the game.”

In the Knicks locker room, Starks’ eyes widened, and Jeff Van Gundy also frowned, dreaming of the finals of that year.

Every time when it comes to a crucial game, the Knicks always have some unexpected problems.

The big brother missed the shot, and no one could say much.

However, when they thought about losing again and Game 5 was still in Salt Lake City, Ewing and Oakley stopped being arrogant.

Alan Houston broke through the basket at the beginning of the game and sprained his ankle when he landed.

The injury was severe. At this time, he grinned and said:

“I can still play, it’s not a big problem!”

Jeff Van Gundy shook his head and said after a moment’s silence,

“Chris, Charlie, get ready. John will take a break in the second half. Lee, you play the No. 2 position.”

Lee nodded.

The bald young coach was not stubborn and continued to let Starks play at this time, which was considered to be the right choice.

Everyone was in a bad mood, but the Jazz scored from multiple points tonight, and Russell and Hornacek also found their shooting touch.

The embarrassing thing is that the Knicks have rarely made a comeback this season, and the coaching staff is aware of this situation.

After the second half of the game started, the Jazz fans at the scene immediately cheered for the home team:

“Let’s go Jazz! Let’s go Jazz! Let’s go Jazz!”

The Jazz attacked first, and Stockton noticed that Chris Childs had become his opponent.

Lee moved in front of Hornacek and immediately made a tactical gesture.

Hornacek quickly slipped across the baseline from right to left, and with the help of Karl Malone’s screen near the left baseline, he quickly bounced out to the left blocking area.

Lee was a step slower in his pursuit and defense, but he did not make a blocking move.

Instead, he slowed down and raised his left side high to make a simple interference.

Hornacek saw Lee slide, fake a dribble and quickly release the ball, then accelerate the breakthrough with the ball in his right hand.

However, he soon found that this was a wrong choice as Lee was unable to speed up due to the hidden pull.

He broke into the paint area with three steps, and under the interference of Lee, he cut in and made a layup but missed.

As soon as the basketball hit the rim and bounced out, several players under the basket jumped up to grab the rebound.

Lee also jumped around at this time. In the end, Ewing grabbed the rebound over everyone’s heads.

The fans at the scene sighed with regret.

If they could get two more points, the score difference would be close to double digits!

“Defense! Defense! Defense!”

The defensive cheers resounded throughout the arena once again, with the home team taking the lead and the Jazz fans in high spirits.

Chris Childs dribbled across half court with 8 seconds left.

Lee was standing in the right corner.

Hornacek simply turned his back to the basket and played one-on-one, “grouping” defense.

The two were pulling each other in the corner.

Lee first pretended to go to the right wing to receive the ball, then moved upwards and suddenly ran back.

Hornacek lost his defensive position without noticing, and then immediately chased after him.

Near the left baseline, Ewing’s off-ball screen delayed Hornacek again.

When Lee bounced out to the left wing outside the three-point line, Chris Childs immediately made a side pass.

Turning around to receive the ball, Lee didn’t make any adjustments and just shot the ball outside the three-point line!

Hornacek just came in front of him and subconsciously blocked the shot.

After landing, he heard the boos from the fans.

“Swish!” The three-pointer went into the net.

43:46, the Knicks quickly narrowed the gap after the start of the second half.

“Boo!”

Jeff Van Gundy stood on the sidelines and clapped his hands amid the boos from the audience.

The Knicks players quickly retreated, and Chris Childs immediately took the lead in defending Stockton.

Compared to Lee’s defense, Chris Childs is more aggressive.

He is willing to use all his physical strength to fight back and constantly interfere.

Coming to the left wing, Karl Malone began to position himself in the low post again, and Oakley knew that the opponent was definitely going to pass the ball.

The two were competing in the low post again, and soon Malone received the pass, turned around, faked a move, then released the ball with his left hand, arched along the baseline to the basket, broke through the defense, and forced a shot while hanging on Oakley.

The layup missed, Foster and Ewing huddled together, and Oakley also jumped.

The four players under the basket continued to grab the ball, and finally Oakley took the rebound.

Ewing complained to the referee about the opponent’s elbowing, but got no response.

Instead, the Jazz fans booed again.

It was still a positional attack.

This time, Lee didn’t have any chance to counter-run, and the right flank made a tactical gesture.

The Knicks quickly used their old tactics.

After Ewing received the ball in the low post on the left side, he broke through and missed a layup right in front of the basket.

As soon as the basketball hit the rim, Ewing rushed to the basket, and Oakley and Malone huddled together again.

The gorilla got the rebound, and Larry Johnson, who was rushing into the paint, seized the opportunity and grabbed the rebound.

Amid the boos of Jazz fans, “Grandmama” once again passed the ball to Chris Childs on the outside, and the Knicks got another 24 seconds of offensive time.

Coach Sloan on the sidelines was very dissatisfied with this round and kept reminding Russell loudly:

“Focus! Get in position early!”

At this time, Lee quickly slipped across the baseline from right to left again and came to the left blocking area.

Realizing that he could not get rid of the defense, he suddenly bounced out diagonally.

Oakley, who had just arrived at the elbow area on the right side of the free throw line, made an off-ball screen.

Lee briefly got rid of Hornacek’s pursuit and quickly bounced to the right wing.

Chris Childs was half a beat late in his cross pass due to Stockton’s interference.

When Lee received the ball, Hornacek successfully chased him in front.

After receiving the ball, he faked a move and noticed that Hornacek did not lose his position and jumped around.

Taking advantage of the opponent’s slowdown, Lee quickly released the ball with his right hand, took a step back, drifted slightly to the right, and quickly made a jump shot!

“Swish!” Another three-pointer went in!

…

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep