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Dragon Emperor in Pokemon World.

The return of Itachi

I am Sasuke. Why should I defect from Konoha.

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***

On May 26, 2005, after flying back to Miami overnight, the Heat players once again became diligent and well-behaved in training.

After the morning training session, General Manager Pat Riley once again criticized Shaq during an interview.

The Miami Herald was also somewhat dissatisfied with Shaq’s performance.

Taking advantage of being back on home court, they didn’t hold back during the interview, asking very pointed questions:

“We all know Shaq has physical issues. Will he increase his playing time in Game 3 for a home victory?”

Most team general managers don’t have that much drama, but the renowned Head Coach was different.

His control over the Heat was all-encompassing.

As if he were the Head Coach, Pat Riley calmly responded:

“I understand the players, and I understand Van Gundy’s intention. We’ve worked together for many years, but we played too softly in the two away games.”

“It’s a crucial game, and we’ve had more than three days to rest, so Shaq will recover even better.”

“We went through a Game 7 in the Semifinals. I know everyone’s form will fluctuate, but the home game is our opportunity.”

“I hope to see the players play like Mourning. The Heat must show their desire for victory. The Eastern Conference Finals is not our end goal.”

Although Pat Riley didn’t name names, media reporters knew he was referring to Shaq.

Entering the Eastern Conference Finals, Shaq, despite his tough talk, was physically honest.

He only played 26 minutes in Game 2.

After Lee scored 8 consecutive points early in the third quarter, Shaq experienced hip discomfort as the game progressed and left the court early again.

It’s important to note that the Knicks didn’t double-team Shaq on every possession.

Pau Gasol’s performance was mediocre, and he didn’t relentlessly attack Shaq.

It was just defending pick-and-rolls, low-post offense, and some high-post facilitation.

Other than an increase in transition plays, this level of game intensity should hardly affect Shaq.

In both games, Shaq’s offensive desire decreased every time the third quarter began.

While this was partly due to difficulty in guard passing, anyone could see Shaq’s lack of aggression.

Shaq’s salary this season was $27.7 million, almost equal to Clay Lee + Grant Hill.

After this contract, Pat Riley promised a 5-year, $100 million contract.

Unlike ordinary players, Shaq didn’t need to play desperately in his contract year.

He had already proven his value this season.

Shaq consistently ranked in the top three on the MVP leaderboard, led a winning streak in the regular season, and helped the Heat reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the playoffs.

This was the team’s best performance in recent years, and Miami fans were particularly supportive of Shaq.

Shaq even interacted with the local police department, which showed the city’s respect and affection for him.

However, once the Eastern Conference Finals began, Shaq’s fighting spirit seemed to vanish. Injuries certainly affected him, but disappearing in the crucial third quarter left Miami fans feeling somewhat let down.

It proved that when Dwyane Wade encountered heavy double-teams, he indeed performed like a second-year rookie.

11-of-26 shooting, 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, 8-of-10 from the free-throw line, 31 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 6 turnovers in 41 minutes of playing time—Dwyane Wade had a breakout performance in Game 2, but 6 turnovers were still too many.

91:108. After Game 2, Dwyane Wade’s fans could only console themselves:

“The Heat lost, but Flash didn’t!”

Considering that half of his points were scored after Shaq left the court, Miami fans still acknowledged Dwyane Wade’s performance.

As long as Shaq also averaged 30 points per game upon returning home, the league’s strongest duo would have a chance to drag the series into a pivotal Game 5.

Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals would be played on the 29th, more than three days of rest, which was very important for the injured Heat.

Pat Riley expressed his dissatisfaction and even privately reprimanded Van Gundy.

A superstar overriding the Head Coach was absolutely not allowed in the Heat.

Shaq dared to yell at Jerry Buss and demand money, but the renowned Head Coach would never allow such a thing to happen on his team!

That evening, Clay Lee accepted an invitation from ESPN to review yesterday’s “Miracle of Istanbul” together.

Yesterday’s Champions League final in Turkey was an exhilarating match, and even now, football fans who recall last night’s game are still excited.

The only ones hurting were AC Milan fans.

Kaká’s fangirls were heartbroken!

Ancelotti became Benítez’s backdrop.

Most fans witnessed a comeback of three goals in just over six minutes for the first time.

In the studio, host Derek Rae and Clay Lee both wore black suits and blue striped shirts.

After reviewing the game, they chatted happily in front of the camera.

37-year-old Derek Rae was Scottish, with a broad forehead and still thick black hair.

Putting aside prejudices, he was very impressed with Liverpool’s victory:

“No matter how many times I watch it, I still find it incredible. This is one of the greatest games I’ve ever witnessed!”

“This season, Manchester United stopped at the Champions League Round of 16. After completing the acquisition, will you reform the team, and by that, I mean big moves like Chelsea?”

After discussing the game, Derek Rae brought up gossip.

Lee didn’t mind and quickly responded with a smile:

“I respect David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson. They have achieved success, and that Manchester United became treble winners, so I will not interfere with the operation of football affairs.”

“However, we will change the club’s commercial structure. There are too many Manchester United fans worldwide, and in the future, we will only sincerely give back to the fans.”

“The team has Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, both highly talented young players. The club is on the right track.”

The CEO position had already been promised, and Ferguson’s taking kickbacks from transfers would not be pursued.

Lee’s underlying meaning was that he was only interested in making money.

This program also served as a reassurance for the constantly protesting Manchester United fans, showing that at least Lee was a true fan and understood European football very well.

Towards the end of the program, Lee even showed off his football skills in the studio.

A formal suit didn’t prevent him from juggling the ball and performing tricks, and even the staff applauded.

Host Derek Rae watched the football fly around Lee, also stunned.

Before the program ended, he jokingly said:

“Clay, if the Heat reverse the series this year, will you regret your statement at the MVP press conference?”

The other party used the opportunity to tease AC Milan about touching the trophy at halftime.

Lee held the football in his hand, spun it casually, and confidently said again:

“I won’t give the opponent any chance. From the start of the regular season, we’ve been ready.”

“Perhaps many people will complain that the Knicks’ schedule was easy, but we earned that ourselves.”

“A champion is a champion. While I enjoy the process, I prefer the trophy more.”

Shaq, in his contract year, showed a tendency to slack off after completing his tasks.

Lee, also in his contract year, began linking with football to expand his influence.

In the 21st century, the two players who have won championships are currently the most successful players in the league.

Lee and Shaq can do whatever they want.

In contrast, role players had completely different mindsets.

Although Tayshaun Prince didn’t talk much, as long as he was on the court, he spared no effort on Defense.

Being selected for the All-Defensive Team meant he could secure a good contract in his contract year.

Raja Bell, an undrafted player, also played desperately, but his performance fluctuated, leading to anxiety.

In Game 2, Raja Bell shot 4-of-11 overall, 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 turnover.

Tayshaun Prince’s performance was also average, but he didn’t show much emotion.

Raja Bell was different.

One poor game made him exceptionally nervous.

His playoff performance affected his next contract.

If he were labeled a “regular season player,” the Knicks would definitely give up on him.

On Friday, the 27th, at the Tarrytown Training Center, after the afternoon training session, everyone prepared to fly to Miami.

Since the Knicks shot 6-of-21 from beyond the arc in the previous game, missing most open shots, the critical New York Media showed more emotion during interviews:

“Bell, can you talk about the reason for your statistical decline in the playoffs?”

The question from the New York Post reporter gave Raja Bell a headache.

If his playoff stats went up, would he still be worried about his contract?

Having not been interviewed much, Raja Bell forced a smile and awkwardly replied:

“I’m a bit nervous experiencing a series like the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time as a starter.”

“Fortunately, we ultimately won the game, and I will adjust my form as soon as possible.”

Although his personal stats had significantly improved compared to last season, Raja Bell’s performance still didn’t meet the New York Media’s expectations.

Previously, when Clay Lee was double-teamed, both Ron Artest and Grant Hill could handle the ball and make secondary passes.

Now, only Tayshaun Prince could show off a bit, and the entertainment value had decreased significantly.

Ron Artest usually didn’t appear in the training facility during interviews.

It was Grant Hill who noticed Raja Bell’s predicament and stepped in to help:

“Don’t worry about Bell’s form. He’s the hardest worker in practice, and he’s also performed exceptionally well on Defense in this series.”

As the season neared its end, Grant Hill’s injury had largely recovered.

One surgery, one season of recovery—such treatment was rare in the league.

Seeing that the reporters were no longer bothering him, Raja Bell gratefully smiled at Grant Hill.

Unlike the sycophantic Derek Fisher, Lee found it difficult to blend in with everyone, and the sense of distance made everyone feel pressured.

Grant Hill, who had lost weight, looked much younger in his training uniform and quickly made the media reporters chuckle.

These snobs only liked star players and showed a lack of respect for role players.

Lee was still communicating with Gasol at this time.

He needed to activate the core inside player’s state before the Finals.

During the morning’s film session, the coaching staff focused on Pau Gasol’s mismatch offense.

As they were about to leave the Tarrytown Training Center, Lee reminded him again:

“Shaq is old. Face him up and drive. His lateral movement has declined significantly now.”

“Perhaps he also wants to pick up fouls early. You know, he’s looked unmotivated in these two games.”

Pau Gasol, accustomed to easy scores, would rarely ask for the ball if his form was average:

“It seems the hip injury has had a big impact, but you’re right, I need to get moving and teach the Heat a lesson in their American Airlines Arena.”

Confirming that his old opponent was declining, Pau Gasol also began to make grand statements.

Although he had sleeves, he considered himself a technical player.

Thinking of how Shaquille O’Neal always habitually ignored him, Pau Gasol smiled and added:

“The title of the league’s strongest duo seems to be cursed!”

“…”

On the evening of the 28th, in Western Conference Finals Game 3, with two minutes left in the game, the Seattle SuperSonics took the lead after Antonio Daniels made two free throws.

In the final moments of the game, Manu Ginobili had a chance to take the lead but missed crucial free throws consecutively.

Both teams were clanking shots, and in the end, Tim Duncan also missed the game-winner.

91:92, the Seattle SuperSonics narrowly protected their home court.

The Seattle SuperSonics’ twin stars were possessed by the brick-laying demon: Ray Allen, playing with an injury, shot 6-of-23 from the field, 1-of-8 from three-point range, and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line, finishing with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 4 turnovers.

Lewis shot 3-of-10 from the field, 0-of-3 from three-point range, and 6-of-6 from the free-throw line, scoring only 12 points.

The Seattle SuperSonics shot 2-of-16 from three-point range (12.5% accuracy), which stunned the Seattle fans, but fortunately, the San Antonio Spurs were also ineffective.

A win is always a good thing!

Both teams’ benches exploded: Manu Ginobili and Horry combined for 29 points, while Antonio Daniels and Fortson combined for 28 points.

Duncan shot 7-of-16 from the field and 9-of-15 from the free-throw line, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 blocks, and 1 turnover.

After the game, ESPN fiercely criticized the performance of both teams’ core players, saying the game felt like a “clash of chickens,” with the San Antonio Spurs constantly wasting opportunities.

On sunday, the 29th, on TNT’s program, Charles Barkley no longer boasted about Duncan’s dominance.

Wasting such a good opportunity, the San Antonio Spurs showed no championship aura.

“This season’s theme is injuries, and ultimately, two relatively healthy teams will meet in the Finals.”

“Look at the New York Knicks’ opponents: the Nets had a major trade, and the Cavaliers are experiencing the playoffs for the first time.”

“The San Antonio Spurs faced the feuding Timberwolves in the first round, and then encountered the Mavericks with a rookie Head Coach.”

“The Chicago Bulls would have faced more difficulties in their three-peat, but the New York Knicks haven’t been tested much. That’s why I don’t like this team. They’re taking shortcuts.”

Unable to see the anticipated game, Charles Barkley began to complain earnestly on the show.

Kenny Smith, sitting on the left in the studio, didn’t expect his partner to always come up with such astonishing remarks:

“The Nets broke up because they kept losing to the New York Knicks in the playoffs.”

“They faced rookie teams because Clay Lee led the team to the league’s best record. This was their own choice of schedule.”

“The Chicago Bulls also had a chance to get a better schedule back then, but unfortunately, they lost the positioning battle.”

“Clay Lee’s dominance far surpasses Michael Jordan’s. He can control the game, so why would he make it harder for the team?”

Ernie Johnson immediately took over, not waiting for any rebuttals:

“Kenny Smith is right. The team with the league’s best record should enjoy an easy schedule.”

“However, I believe the Heat will bounce back strongly once they return to their American Airlines Arena.”

The director showed Clay Lee’s Game 2 statistics, and also pulled up Dwyane Wade for comparison.

In 36 minutes, he shot 13-of-21 from the field, 3-of-7 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, totaling 36 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 1 turnover.

His 61.9% field goal percentage and 73.4% true shooting percentage were particularly striking.

Every time Charles Barkley saw the statistics, he found it difficult to offer much commentary, and at this point, he could only make awkward small talk:

“Compared to Game 1, Lee’s efficiency declined. The Heat’s double-team Defense worked, and back in their American Airlines Arena, they will further restrict Clay Lee.”

“…”

Kenny Smith looked at his partner, who was speaking nonsense with his eyes open, and immediately burst out laughing, then also joked about the Western Conference Finals:

“If Clay Lee faced the struggling Seattle SuperSonics, he wouldn’t give his opponents any chance!”

“Perhaps that’s why Clay Lee will defeat Tim Duncan again to win MVP.”

Back in their American Airlines Arena, the Heat players, under Pat Riley’s influence, prepared calmly and no longer made grand statements.

It wasn’t until after the afternoon warm-up that Shaquille O’Neal responded to questions about his playing time during an interview:

“The playoffs require winning four games. I know my body, and I know when to exert myself in a game.”

“Even though I’m not 100% recovered, a 70% Shaq can still dominate the paint.”

Shaquille O’Neal naturally knew Pat Riley was dissatisfied with him, but he didn’t care because the Heat needed him.

Shaquille O’Neal’s words were also meant for the slick-haired Head Coach: how he played was up to him!

Dwyane Wade didn’t dare to contradict Pat Riley and became a good boy once they returned to their American Airlines Arena.

He would only execute what the Head Coach said.

No matter how the media reporters tried to dig for information, Dwyane Wade never commented on Shaquille O’Neal’s performance.

At most, he would join his big brother Mourning in showering praise.

When the game started at 8 PM that night, the Heat fans who came to the American Airlines Arena erupted with immense enthusiasm!

Although they started a bit slowly, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal both exploded in the second quarter.

With a 28:31 score in a single quarter, the league’s strongest duo ignited the American Airlines Arena atmosphere.

At halftime, the score was 56:53, and for the first time in the series, the Heat had won a single quarter against the New York Knicks.

Dwyane Wade walked towards the player tunnel with a beaming smile, extending his left arm and high-fiving fans continuously in celebration.

Shaquille O’Neal also showed a hint of smugness, waving to the fans along with his teammates.

Dwyane Wade efficiently scored 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 turnover, shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range.

Shaquille O’Neal also showed his excellent game form with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 turnover, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Since both teams had accumulated quite a few fouls, Doug Collins reminded everyone again at the start of the second half from the commentary booth:

“Clay Lee only picked up 1 foul in the first half. It’s clear he’s controlling his Defense intensity.”

“Sure enough, in the second half, Clay Lee guarded Dwyane Wade again. It’s time for the Heat to be tested.”

Shaquille O’Neal had only picked up two fouls in the first half.

As the game just began, noticing Dwyane Wade was still entangled with Lee, he proactively came to the right elbow area to demand the ball.

After dribbling past half-court, Damon Jones moved close to the right wing and immediately lobbed the ball to his teammate.

Shaquille O’Neal, receiving the ball, saw Pau Gasol, who was guarding him, raise his right arm to collapse the Defense.

He turned his body and signaled Damon Jones for a hand-off.

After a back cut and receiving the pass, taking advantage of Raja Bell being delayed, Damon Jones took a big dribble with his right hand after receiving the ball and made a long two-point jump shot!

56:55, the Heat narrowed the deficit, with the offensive possession taking less than 10 seconds.

“Defense!”

The defensive cheers once again echoed throughout the American Airlines Arena.

Stan Van Gundy on the sidelines loudly reminded his players to control the tempo and try to slow down.

Shaquille O’Neal only rested for 2 minutes in the first half, so the second half would be a huge test of his stamina, and the Heat had to slow down with him.

Dwyane Wade was no longer leading the Defense.

It proved that tight Defense didn’t have much effect.

Seeing Lee dribble past the half-court line, Dwyane Wade maintained his distance and cautiously stepped forward to defend.

At the top of the arc, near the three-point line, Lee, holding the ball in his right hand, executed two extremely quick crossover dribbles, then suddenly accelerated.

Dwyane Wade slid his feet in time, blocking Lee’s driving lane, while Eddie Jones from the right wing immediately came over to help defend.

Before reaching the free-throw line, Lee smoothly passed the ball to the unguarded Tayshaun Prince.

After the pass, taking advantage of Eddie Jones retreating on Defense, he accelerated towards the left baseline.

Tayshaun Prince, receiving the ball, smoothly passed it back to Lee.

Dwyane Wade, not risking a steal, immediately stuck to Lee the moment he received the ball.

On the right sideline, Lee protected the ball with his body outside the three-point line, lowering his center of gravity while taking a probing step with his right foot towards his left front.

Dwyane Wade stuck to him tightly, not attempting any steals, only trying to use body contact to force a turnover from Clay Lee.

In an extremely small space, protecting the ball on his left side, Lee, after another probing step, suddenly executed a quick back pivot using his left foot as an axis.

The moment he put the ball down, his right hand regained control, and Lee accelerated his drive along the baseline.

Kurt Thomas had already moved up near the free-throw line, leaving only Shaquille O’Neal in the paint.

Dwyane Wade desperately slid his feet.

He had to protect his teammate at the very beginning of the second half.

Before reaching the paint, Lee, who was half a step ahead, suddenly pulled the ball back between his legs.

Dwyane Wade, still sliding from momentum, tried to jump to defend, but his body couldn’t keep up with his mind.

He couldn’t make any defensive move and could only watch as Lee stopped abruptly, gathered the ball, and made a mid-range jump shot!

“Boo!”

Boos once again echoed throughout the American Airlines Arena.

The Heat fans’ expectation of seeing Dwyane Wade lock down Clay Lee did not materialize.

The Heat also had their own methods.

Shaquille O’Neal needed to conserve energy, frequently coming to the elbow area for strong screens, using hand-offs to help teammates shake off defenders.

After continuous perimeter passing, the ball circulated and O’Neal passed it to Dwyane Wade in the left elbow area.

The latter received the ball, put it down with his right hand, moved horizontally to shake off Lee, and decisively pulled up for a jump shot near the free-throw line!

“Swish!” The two-point shot went in.

Seeing the opponent start to slow down, Lee accelerated his pace, and as he reached the left wing, Pau Gasol used a cross-screen on the baseline to successfully get in front of Shaquille O’Neal.

Before the two under the basket could get into position, Lee immediately sent a lob pass.

As Shaquille O’Neal arrived at the lower left of the basket, Pau Gasol, who jumped to catch the ball, used his long arms to tip the ball towards the basket in mid-air.

60:57, the Knicks responded in time.

The two teams, one slow and one fast, saw the score constantly pulled back and forth as time elapsed.

Towards the end of the third quarter, the Heat frequently went to the free-throw line.

Kenyon Dooling, who came off the bench, drove to the basket and scored two free throws to help the Heat.

On the return possession, Pau Gasol faked a shot at the free-throw line, then drove past Shaquille O’Neal with his left hand, earning free throws to respond.

Mourning, who had just come off the bench, grabbed a rebound and drew a foul from Kurt Thomas, making both free throws.

On Defense, Dwyane Wade was beaten by Lee’s in-and-out dribble, ultimately committing a pulling foul and sending him to the free-throw line.

The Knicks substituted Amar’e Stoudemire into the game with 3 minutes and 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Mike D’Antoni’s substitution did not yield the expected results.

Instead, it allowed the Heat to seize the opportunity and shoot several more free throws.

In the final few possessions, both sides either shot free throws or committed turnovers.

Seeing that the Knicks couldn’t extend their lead, the excited Heat fans’ cheers grew louder and louder.

82:80, after three quarters, the Heat had narrowed the gap again.

Clay Lee had an ordinary performance this quarter, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line for 12 points.

Pau Gasol showed his aggressiveness, shooting 2-of-5 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, contributing 7 points.

The Knicks did not attempt any three-pointers this quarter, and Amar’e Stoudemire, who came off the bench, also aggressively attacked the basket in his limited opportunities.

Shaquille O’Neal, who played over 8 minutes, was panting heavily on the bench.

He shot 1-of-3 from the field and 1-of-4 from the free-throw line, only scoring 3 points this quarter.

Facing the Knicks’ continuous attacks, Shaquille O’Neal felt somewhat powerless.

Dwyane Wade was also drenched in sweat, but the cheers from the fans made him feel full of energy.

Head Coach Stan Van Gundy naturally knew that the game had reached its most crucial moment.

He threw the tactics board aside and shouted:

“Listen to the cheers from the fans! We can win this game! Just hold on a little longer!”

“We need to continuously attack the basket, be patient, and don’t let the opponent get fast breaks.”

After the fourth quarter began, in the first possession, Raja Bell missed an open three-pointer from the left wing.

Mourning, who came off the bench, secured the rebound, and Damon Jones stabilized the rhythm, dribbling past half-court before passing the ball to Eddie Jones.

On the left wing, Eddie Jones received the ball and immediately drove with a step-through, leaning into the defender and driving towards the basket, again drawing a shooting foul from Barnes.

With two successful free throws, the Heat finally tied the score.

Stan Van Gundy became even more agitated and began instructing his players to double-team Clay Lee.

Derek Fisher had just made a pass at the top of the arc, and Lee, who received the ball on the right wing, was quickly surrounded by Dwyane Wade and Damon Jones.

Receiving the pass back, Derek Fisher missed another shot from an open position at the top of the arc.

In a semi-transition offense, Dwyane Wade sprinted past half-court, received the ball on the left wing, and drove strongly to the basket, but Lee poked the ball away.

“Oh!”

The Heat fans sighed in unison, and soon, after an inbound pass, Dwyane Wade received the ball again, and using Mourning’s screen, drove strongly to the basket from the left wing.

Lee, who had gone around the screen, adjusted his steps, and his block from the lower left of the basket caused Wade’s scoop layup to clank off the rim.

“Shit!”

Stan Van Gundy on the sidelines cursed under his breath, then yelled at Dwyane Wade, signaling him not to shy away.

The slightly plump Van Gundy wished he could directly tell Dwyane Wade that this was the time to draw a foul!

Clay Lee, who grabbed the rebound, accelerated his advance and was quickly met with another double-team.

Amar’e Stoudemire failed to capitalize on the opportunity under the basket, and Mourning’s successful Defense once again electrified the American Airlines Arena.

After both sides repeatedly missed shots, they eventually resorted to scoring from the free-throw line.

After the starting lineup returned, the score began to alternate.

Although Shaquille O’Neal failed to make a field goal, he suddenly found his free-throw touch after resting.

The Knicks also stopped taking wild shots at this point.

Clay Lee and Pau Gasol steadily ran their two-man game, with repeated wing pick-and-rolls helping the team stay close.

As time elapsed, the American Airlines Arena grew increasingly noisy, with cheers and boos rising and falling.

With 28.3 seconds left in the game, Dwyane Wade’s drive drew a foul from Pau Gasol, and his two free throws once again tied the score for the Heat.

Dwyane Wade, having made the free throws, was emotional and repeatedly shouted at the Knicks players:

“This is my house!”

108:108, Mike D’Antoni did not call a timeout.

After complaining to the referee, he continued to watch the game with his arms crossed.

Unexpectedly, the opponent didn’t call a timeout, so Dwyane Wade quickly stopped showing off, immediately went to the baseline, stared intently at the basketball in Lee’s hands, and began to guard him from the baseline.

As Lee reached the logo, Damon Jones stepped up to double-team him, forcing Lee to pass the ball.

On the left wing, Raja Bell received the pass, and as Damon Jones recovered, Lee again ran back to receive the ball.

After continuous pulling, the two wings immediately moved to the baseline corner.

Facing Lee’s isolation, Dwyane Wade consistently maintained his defensive distance.

With 6 seconds left on the shot clock, on the left wing, Lee dribbled through his legs multiple times, then used his right hand to drop his shoulder and accelerate.

At the three-point line, the two collided, and Lee smoothly dribbled behind his back, then quickly spun around.

The bold move instantly allowed Lee to shake off Dwyane Wade.

Noticing Haslem and Shaquille O’Neal moving in the paint, he pulled the ball back between his legs at the free-throw line.

Dwyane Wade, who had recovered to his side, nervously jumped to block, only to find that Clay Lee had faked.

Dwyane Wade twisted his body hard in the air, and Lee, using the timing difference, decisively jumped and shot!

“Wow!”

The basketball bounced off the rim, and amidst the cheers, Shaquille O’Neal secured the rebound.

Dwyane Wade brushed against Lee’s body but the referee didn’t blow the whistle, and Stan Van Gundy immediately called a timeout.

Dwyane Wade, panting heavily, ran directly to the bench.

The feeling of escaping death made his heart race.

The emotional Knicks players all surrounded the referee at this point, and Mike D’Antoni, also red-faced, loudly shouted:

“Damn it! That was a clear foul!”

The Heat fans were still cheering loudly.

Lee saw that the scorer’s table also showed no reaction, so he decisively pushed everyone back to the bench.

Mike D’Antoni hadn’t even finished speaking two sentences when the sideline official reminded him that the timeout was over.

At this, the Knicks players were a bit stunned.

Lee saw Dwyane Wade preparing to inbound the ball, immediately pulled Tayshaun Prince aside, and loudly whispered in his ear:

“Switch, after his change of direction, give him his left hand!”

Amidst the cheers echoing through the Madison Square Garden, Tayshaun Prince subconsciously nodded.

Lee, defending the inbound pass, only offered symbolic Defense.

As Eddie Jones popped out, Dwyane Wade successfully inbounded the ball, and the latter received it and immediately came forward for a hand-off, delaying Lee in the process.

The final 5.8 seconds rapidly elapsed.

Dwyane Wade, who received the ball again, came to the top of the arc near the three-point line.

Lee followed Eddie Jones to the left wing, not looking at his assigned defender, but always staring at Dwyane Wade up top.

Facing Tayshaun Prince’s drop Defense, Dwyane Wade, who was dribbling with a hop step at the three-point line, suddenly changed direction with an in-and-out dribble.

The moment Dwyane Wade switched to his left hand, Tayshaun Prince subconsciously remembered Lee’s words and decisively gave up the driving lane.

Dwyane Wade, with the ball in his left hand, felt the defensive pressure suddenly decrease, immediately adjusted his stride, and instantly arrived at the left elbow area.

Seeing Lee suddenly appear in his driving lane, Dwyane Wade’s mind went blank.

He instinctively gathered the ball, attempting a wide loop to get around the Defense.

However, Lee, who was prepared, gave the opponent no time to react, precisely stealing the ball and completing the steal in an instant.

“Ah!”

The Heat fans in the front row subconsciously screamed.

Lee, having completed the steal, charged with the ball, crossing mid-court in the blink of an eye.

Dwyane Wade fell at the free-throw line, still wanting to get up and chase back.

Eddie Jones’s mouth hung open as he watched Clay Lee take three large steps, launch into a running jumper, and toss the ball towards the basket.

The final buzzer sounded, and the American Airlines Arena suddenly fell silent.

As the basketball swished through the net, screams once again filled the American Airlines Arena.

“Ball don’t lie!”

Clay Lee glared at the referee on the sideline and shouted, then was tackled to the ground by the charging Knicks players.

“Unbelievable! Clay Lee won the series with a buzzer-beater!”

From the commentary table, Kevin Harlan also shouted, and Doug Collins, noticing Dwyane Wade lying on the floor with his hands covering his face, also subconsciously praised:

“Dwyane Wade did his best, but this is the ability of a superstar!”

“…”

…..

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

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep