On May 21, 2000, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals officially began.

Having only rested for one day, the Pacers had to continue their road trip, arriving in New York very low-key.

Reggie Miller, who was about to turn 35, no longer had the youthful vigor of his younger days.

Years of failure had smoothed some of the veteran’s edges.

When the Pacers players entered Madison Square Garden that evening, Reggie Miller was dressed in a beige suit, wearing large sunglasses, and showed no reaction to the cameras filming him up close.

The entire Pacers team appeared low-key and silent.

Every player showed little emotion upon arriving at theMadison Square Garden, until Larry Bird appeared and confidently stated to the cameras:

“We will win here!”

In contrast, the New York Knicks players, playing on their home court, were much more lively.

Ewing, who had performed poorly in the first two rounds and hadn’t played much, joked with the media before the game, laughing as he headed to the locker room.

Larry Johnson didn’t forget to show off his boxing skills in front of the camera, grinning as he threw punches.

Unlike Clay Lee, who arrived at the Stadium an hour early to warm up, most of his overconfident teammates didn’t take the Pacers seriously, even though their regular season records were tied.

New York fans loved to see Reggie Miller suffer, and they didn’t forget to greet their old rival before the game.

At the NBC commentary table, Bob Costas and Doug Collins, influenced by the atmosphere in the Arena, spoke with a lighter tone:

“This season, Jalen Rose stepped up from the bench and won the Most Improved Player award, which speaks volumes about how excellent his form has been!”

Doug Collins agreed with this point and took the opportunity to flatter Larry Bird:

“Head Coach Larry Bird has unearthed the team’s potential by solving the issue of the team’s second scoring option!”

“Based on the regular season standings, the two teams are evenly matched. This will be an exciting series.”

“…”

Jeff Van Gundy initially expected the Pacers to focus on outside play, as Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose had both scored 40 points in their last game.

However, at the start of the game, the Pacers did not continue to make outside scoring their offensive core, as the New York Knicks coaching staff had anticipated.

As the game progressed, the Pacers’ tactics seemed no different from their regular season strategy.

Reggie Miller quickly moved from right to left along the baseline, using Smits’ screen to receive the ball on the left wing.

Ewing knew the opponent would demand the ball with his back to the basket and immediately defended him tightly from behind.

Reggie Miller’s pass was very quick.

The moment he received the ball, he passed it to Smits in the low post.

The latter chose not to post up, but instead turned towards the baseline, and using his height advantage, quickly tossed the ball towards the rim.

“Swish!” The two-point shot went clean through the net.

In transition offense, Smits received the ball at the elbow and made a trailing long two-point jump shot.

From the right corner, Smits received a pass from Jalen Rose’s drive and scored another long two-point jump shot.

Dale Davis tipped in an offensive rebound, and then Smits put the ball back in.

After Mark Jackson assisted Reggie Miller for a jump shot in the right block, with 6 minutes and 17 seconds left in the first quarter, Jeff Van Gundy frowned and called a timeout.

Half a quarter into the game, Rik Smits’ jump shots had rendered Ewing’s Defense useless.

15:7. After several missed response shots, the New York Knicks were taught a lesson by their opponent’s whirlwind fast break at the start of the game.

Ewing, who had expected the opponent to focus on the paint, was silently frustrated upon returning to the bench.

Dale Davis’s aggressive pursuit of offensive rebounds also made Oakley look somewhat disheveled.

The two veterans failed to convert opportunities into scores, and their continuous misses at the start of the game left the New York fans feeling a bit depressed.

The noisy atmosphere seemed to reflect the mood of the New York fans.

Doug Collins quickly scanned the statistics and then couldn’t help but exclaim:

“Ewing’s finishing touch under the basket still hasn’t recovered its previous feel this season. He got into deep positions twice, but his layups clanked off the rim.”

“Facing Rik Smits’ Defense, Ewing doesn’t seem to have a good solution.”

Bob Costas also noticed that the New York Knicks’ points all came from the outside, and at this point, he also offered a brief commentary:

“The Pacers’ offensive pace is very fast, surprisingly so for everyone. They’re running with their big men, which is completely different from their strategy in the first two rounds.”

“Head Coach Larry Bird has indeed seized upon the New York Knicks’ weakness.”

After several seasons of being on autopilot, Jeff Van Gundy also became enlightened.

The Gorilla was not effective.

The more he ran repeatedly, the worse his performance became.

“Ben, when you go on the court, crash the offensive glass. Don’t let the opponent get the ball easily again. Kurt is the same. If you’re open, shoot decisively. If you miss, go for the rebound!”

“Show our vitality, pressure the opponent, and don’t let them score easily again!”

Directly substituting the two veterans, Jeff Van Gundy slapped the tactical board and once again employed his tried-and-true strategy—shooting and rebounding!

Larry Johnson was also substituted, but ‘Big Momma’ didn’t mind.

Being substituted early meant he would enter the game earlier in the second quarter.

After giving the two big men a pep talk, just before they went on court, Jeff Van Gundy patted Clay Lee on the shoulder.

The live director quickly captured this moment.

All teams in the league knew what this gesture meant.

At the commentary table, Doug Collins grumbled to himself twice, but on the surface, he said with a smile:

“Head Coach Van Gundy made an early substitution, which is the correct choice!”

“…”

Despite falling behind at the start, for Lee, it was just three possessions where he failed to make a response shot.

“Let’s go Knicks!”

Hearing the fans’ cheers again, Allan Houston didn’t show much emotion.

This situation was common this season.

After Lee received the ball from the baseline inbound, the two unhurriedly moved past half-court.

Mark Jackson chose not to lead the Defense.

Instead of ineffective Defense, it was better to conserve some energy.

Noticing that the two New York Knicks’ substitute big men were positioned near the left and right baselines, and seeing Kukoc move to the right elbow.

Mark Jackson immediately realized this was an attempt at a wing isolation and immediately stuck to his Defense.

On the left wing, with his teammates fully set, Lee, holding the ball in his left hand, quickly dribbled behind his back, switched to his right hand, immediately lowered his center of gravity, and drove past the Defense, accelerating while pushing against Mark Jackson, who had suddenly stuck to him.

Constantly sliding backward to the left, Mark Jackson didn’t forget to pull with his right hand, attempting to disrupt Lee’s dribbling rhythm.

At the left elbow, Lee suddenly stopped, swatted away the opponent’s pulling right hand, and then subtly stepped back horizontally.

Without completely shaking off the Defense, Lee ignored Mark Jackson’s strenuous block, gathered the ball, and made a fadeaway jump shot near the free-throw line!

“Wow!”

In less than 12 seconds, the New York Knicks completed their offense, and cheers erupted again.

Larry Bird, with his arms crossed, frowned slightly, clearly indicating that Clay Lee was also going to pick up the pace.

Mark Jackson was not affected by Lee’s offense.

With Kukoc on the court, after dribbling past half-court, he signaled the corresponding tactical hand gesture.

Big men tracking perimeter players can cause some problems.

Moving from left to right along the baseline, using Rik Smits’ screen at the right elbow, Jalen Rose cut around to receive the ball, then put it down and drove forward.

Kukoc immediately switched on Defense and stood still, while Ben Wallace quickly slid towards the basket.

Seeing Jalen Rose driving hard, he adjusted his steps and jumped early.

Charging to the basket, Jalen Rose intended to swing his arm for a dunk, but as he swung the ball with his left hand towards the rim, he was squarely met by Ben Wallace, who was waiting in the air, and was firmly denied.

Waiting for the opponent in the air, a powerful block, with extreme visual impact, Bob Costas exclaimed:

“Oh! A fantastic block from Ben Wallace!”

Kukoc immediately returned to the paint to secure the ball and then quickly passed it to half-court.

Clay Lee had already started sprinting.

After crossing the half-court line, he scooped the ball with his left hand and continued to charge hard, pushing against the trailing Mark Jackson.

Larry Bird on the sidelines also moved, constantly shouting to remind his players:

“Foul! Just foul!”

Mark Jackson, who had already retreated to the paint, seemed to hear his Head Coach’s instructions.

While engaging in contact, he immediately reached out and vigorously swiped at the ball.

Clay Lee, however, was prepared.

Noticing the opponent’s shoulder movement, he immediately dribbled the ball behind his back while in motion, dodging the opponent’s swipe and simultaneously switching to his right hand, twisting his body to evade the physical contact.

Mark Jackson lost his balance and flew past Lee.

Lee, who had charged to the right side of the basket, now held the ball with his right hand and executed a reverse two-handed dunk!

“Oh!”

A beautiful dunk instantly ignited the atmosphere in theMadison Square Garden.

Seeing Clay Lee expressionlessly thump his chest after landing, the fans in the front row didn’t forget to hurl insults at Reggie Miller, who was quickly retreating on the other side.

Doug Collins could only sigh as he saw the Madison Square Garden return to its lively state:

“The New York Knicks seem to have found their rhythm again! Clay Lee can solve problems with his individual ability!”

15:11, the deficit continued to shrink.

Mark Jackson did not continue to run wildly with the New York Knicks this time.

On offense, he came to the left wing and lobbed the ball to Rik Smits, who was posting up on the left low block.

According to the game plan, when the New York Knicks substituted in smaller big men, they had to leverage their height advantage.

Rik Smits, facing Ben Wallace’s single coverage, did not choose to pass.

After receiving the ball, he leaned in for a post-up and then quickly turned towards the baseline.

Using his height advantage, Rik Smits switched to his left hand and completed a floater from the lower left side of the rim.

Ben Wallace anticipated the opponent’s offensive choice, but at this moment, he could only jump up with all his might to block the shot.

Under interference, the basketball hit the rim once and then bounced out.

Missing his first shot of the game, Rik Smits angrily punched the air and quickly retreated on defense with his teammates.

After grabbing the rebound, Ben Wallace passed the ball to Lee, who was coming to receive it.

All the New York Knicks players then rushed towards the opponent’s half-court.

Mark Jackson’s delay did not have much effect.

Coming to the left wing again, while Ben Wallace was standing still, Lee pushed the ball for a change of direction, switched to his left hand, and faked a drive.

Rik Smits, who was not yet stable on his feet, quickly came up for a big hedge.

However, Lee pushed the ball for another change of direction, then quickly moved horizontally, dribbling with his right hand and drawing the opponent to the free-throw line.

Mark Jackson hesitated slightly.

This time, he did not follow Ben Wallace, instinctively cooperating with his teammate to chase Lee on defense.

Rik Smits saw his teammate’s defensive choice and knew it was going to be bad.

Before the two could converge, Lee, who was in motion, suddenly tossed the ball towards the upper left side of the rim.

Ben Wallace, who was quickly cutting undefended, leaped high, caught the ball in the air, and slammed it into the rim with both hands!

“Boom!” The alley-oop dunk was successful!

A semi-transition offense suddenly turned into an alley-oop, a spectacular play that made the New York fans cheer again.

Jeff Van Gundy, pacing on the sidelines, smiled and clapped.

Transition offense emphasizes speed, and Rik Smits couldn’t keep up with the New York Knicks’ rhythm.

Ben Wallace also roared loudly after landing, appearing very excited.

During the comeback phase, dunks are even more effective in boosting team morale.

Seeing the deficit shrink to just 2 points, Reggie Miller quickly called for the ball.

He received the pass on the right wing, faked, drove forward, and then pulled up for a jump shot to stop the bleeding for his team.

Clay Lee quickly inbounded the ball from the baseline and accelerated again.

This time, he passed the ball to Kukoc in the right elbow area just after crossing half-court.

Mark Jackson saw Lee suddenly cut to the middle off-ball after passing the ball and instinctively slid to follow.

However, Lee suddenly ran back horizontally, instantly losing his defensive position again.

Jalen Rose, learning from the lesson, immediately switched defensively as soon as Kukoc made the pass, charging directly at Lee, who was near the right sideline.

After passing the ball, Kukoc immediately backed Mark Jackson down towards the left low post.

Lee immediately threw a half-high lob pass.

Mark Jackson’s desperate defense didn’t have much effect.

Kukoc, who received the ball, didn’t put it down but instead turned towards the baseline.

Directly in front of the rim, he scored with a left-handed floater.

Similarly, the New York Knicks scored easily with a mismatch offense.

Larry Bird on the sidelines felt the game was going wrong and immediately called a timeout.

“Good job!”

Lee smiled and high-fived Kukoc to celebrate.

Seemingly feeling good about his shooting touch tonight, Kukoc proactively suggested:

“We can play even faster!”

Lee nodded in agreement, called everyone over, and they gathered in a circle on the bench to have a brief discussion.

After this timeout, Rik Smits was substituted out.

Dale Davis moved to the center position, and Austin Croshere, who came off the bench, played at power forward.

Although they only had one day of rest, the Pacers had no intention of slowing down their offensive pace.

Both sides began to speed up their offense, completely entering an offensive shootout.

Jalen Rose’s drive and kick from the right elbow assisted Croshere, who had just entered the game, in making a three-pointer from the right corner.

On the next possession, Kurt Thomas’s down screen on the right block caused Reggie Miller to lose Allan Houston.

The Pacers players, who had just retreated on defense, stopped.

Allan Houston received Clay Lee’s cross-court pass on the right wing and quickly shot a three-pointer from beyond the arc!

“Swish!” Another three-pointer went in.

22:22, both teams were back on even terms.

Allan Houston, who had just scored, also clapped his hands, encouraging himself and giving Lee a thumbs-up.

The ball was delivered perfectly, making for a comfortable shot.

The Pacers’ two big men set a cross screen.

Croshere received the ball on the left block and then turned towards the baseline, driving to the basket for a missed floater.

Dale Davis once again crashed the offensive glass, but his second-chance attempt was once again blocked by Ben Wallace.

“Oh!”

The New York fans instinctively gasped, then began to cheer loudly.

After gaining control in the paint, Kukoc once again passed the ball.

Clay Lee, near the right wing in the opponent’s half, scooped up the ball and continued to accelerate.

Mark Jackson kept sliding to follow. Nearing the three-point line, Lee suddenly dribbled behind his back and immediately stopped short.

Due to inertia, Mark Jackson couldn’t stop his momentum this time and was immediately shaken off by a meter.

Before he could even jump up to contest, Lee had already gathered the ball on the right wing and shot a jump shot!

“Swish!” The transition three-pointer also went in!

Lee raised his right arm, held up three fingers, and retreated on defense, showing off.

On the next possession, on the right wing, Reggie Miller, after receiving the ball, faked with continuous jab steps.

Facing Allan Houston’s defense, he pulled up for a jump shot in response!

Both teams suddenly began to trade baskets with extremely high shooting percentages, completely exciting the New York fans in theMadison Square Garden.

Fully invested, the shouts grew louder and louder.

Everyone instinctively waved the orange handkerchiefs in their hands, cheering even when a shot missed.

Both sides were running frantically.

Clay Lee dribbled past half-court to the top of the arc, performed a front crossover to shake off Mark Jackson, drove to the middle with his right hand, stopped short at the free-throw line, and then suddenly accelerated again.

Suddenly increasing his stride, Lee drove straight to the paint.

Mark Jackson couldn’t keep up with the rhythm and watched Lee score an easy layup.

“Wow!”

At the commentary table, feeling the suddenly wild atmosphere in the stadium, Bob Costas instinctively raised his voice:

“My God! Both teams seem to have completely abandoned defense, constantly putting the ball into the basket!”

Doug Collins noticed that the Pacers had not completed their defensive rotation and were now inbounding the ball from the baseline, charging again, feeling a bit dazed:

“Only one day of rest, and the Pacers seem unaffected!”

As the 1st quarter was about to end, Clay Lee’s transition three-pointer from the left wing missed, and the New York fans in the Madison Square Garden finally sighed in regret.

However, upon seeing Kukoc grab the long rebound and assist Kurt Thomas on an alley-oop dunk, Madison Square Garden completely erupted.

Unlike the previous two rounds of games, stimulated by the high number of possessions and high shooting percentages, everyone became particularly engaged, and the shouts almost broke through the stadium.

In the final moments, Reggie Miller’s super-long three-pointer missed, and the first quarter officially ended.

35:36, in the offensive battle, the New York Knicks took the lead.

James Dolan, who had specifically sat in the front row under the basket to watch the game, also stood up with the fans, pumping his fist and celebrating with a loud laugh.

Sitting back down and calming his emotions, James Dolan excitedly spoke again:

“Look at the reaction of the fans in the Madison Square Garden! Everyone loves to see such an offensive display!”

Ernie Grunfeld, the General Manager next to him, could only force a smile.

The atmosphere was indeed hot, but the New York Knicks only led by 1 point.

The Pacers hadn’t rested much, and the score already indirectly reflected the defensive intensity of both teams.

“It’s indeed an exciting game, and we will win.”

Grunfeld dultimately just said a polite platitude, but James Dolan heard it with delight.

He turned to wave at the fans behind him and confidently whispered again:

“The New York Knicks need to make changes! Look at Lee’s performance! I love this kind of game!”

In the first quarter, Clay Lee shot 6-of-8 from the field, 1-of-2 from three-point range, and recorded 13 points, 1 rebound, and 6 assists.

In the noisy stadium, General Manager Grunfeld didn’t hear what his boss was saying, but seeing his excited mood, he roughly guessed it was about offense again.

Noticing that the fans in the front row were indeed more engaged than usual, Grunfeld could only sigh inwardly:

“Defense wins championships.”

“.”

…

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep