NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 834 Wyatt: A New Landmark in New York (8000 words)
On Thursday, June 14, 2012, before Game 3 of the Grand Finals began that evening, TNT's pre-game program followed the recent trend and also held a "Turtle Slaughtering Ceremony".
With the Knicks having a chance to lift the trophy at home this Saturday, loyal New York fans are snapping up tickets, while those who can't get tickets are participating in the New York fan club's finals activities.

Perhaps addicted to "role-playing," following the "stories" of Anthony and Garnett, a mini-drama featuring Durant and Westbrook has recently been launched.

Even Kobe Bryant made a cameo appearance, personally coaching Westbrook. What made the general public lose their temper was that the Mamba Mentality was misinterpreted as simply missing shots!
Last night on the New York Fan Club YouTube channel, Westbrook surpassed Garnett to become the most popular player.
Shaquille O'Neal had obviously watched the latest video as well. In the studio, the old shark was all smiles. The atmosphere had been off lately, and his little brother shouldn't have been so popular. This was what he wanted to see!
In this do-or-die game, Kenny Smith naturally wanted to review the first two games, but when the director showed Westbrook's stats, before he could even begin to comment, Charles Barkley grinned from the sidelines:
"The referees saved Westbrook. It's unbelievable that he played so badly!"

"I don't want to blame the Thunder's loss on him, but the two home games lost were indeed related to Westbrook. The young players should play smarter."

出场39分钟，20中4，罚球9中7，关键的G2，威斯布鲁克砍下15分4篮板4助攻3失误的数据.
Such a performance was indeed terrible. Kenny Smith didn't want to criticize the players, but thinking about the 129-96 scoreline, he couldn't help but sigh.
"We shouldn't be too harsh on the young players. Everyone makes mistakes. In fact, the Thunder's overall performance was much better than in Game 1."

Ernie Johnson didn't want to "kick someone when they're down," but with commentators and fans discussing it so enthusiastically, the topic had to be addressed. So, he could only shift the blame by asking:

"Shaq, many fans think Durant and you had similar experiences in the Finals. What advice would you have for Westbrook?"

The old shark hadn't responded before, but when he heard the question in the studio, instead of answering it directly, he grinned and joked:
"Westbrook's mistake was that he texted my little brother!"

Seeing the speechless expressions on his three teammates' faces, O'Neal also stopped smiling, shrugged, and answered directly:
“I respect the Thunder, but their problem is their inability to respond in time. Westbrook should realize who is the one who decides the game on the team.”

"Giving the ball to the MVP is also a good tactic. You know, that's how I led my team to the championship back then."

"My only advice to Westbrook for tonight's game is to give the ball to Durant, play good defense, and stay focused."

"Most importantly, don't forget to praise Li's performance after tonight's game. That way, the young man might be able to make a breakthrough in Game 4!"

All three could tell that the first few sentences were nonsense, and only the last part was "sincere advice." Charles Barkley immediately retorted, adding fuel to the fire with his outspokenness:

"That's why young people haven't been able to take the championship yet! Listen, Russell, stay true to yourself, respond with the basketball in your hand, win this game, and you'll earn everyone's respect!"

After losing two home games in a row, the four-man team stopped discussing tactical adjustments, and the pre-game program almost turned into a riot, with O'Neal urging the young players to "flatter" him, while Barkley suggested "going all out."

As analysts, only Kenny Smith managed to stay true to his word, but he too was pessimistic about the Thunder's comeback, ultimately only offering platitudes:

"The Finals also started with a win on the road, so the young players still have a chance."

Before Game 3 began, major sports media outlets across the United States firmly believed that the championship was no longer in doubt, that the Thunder were not even good enough to "flop," and that in terms of on-court performance alone, they were not even as good as the Heat.

The Oklahoma City fans were silent, and coming to New York to cheer for their team was even more difficult, given the exorbitant ticket prices!

The thought of buying expensive tickets and witnessing failure is so disheartening that even die-hard fans are emotional.

The Thunder's loss is actually making Los Angeles fans the happiest. After being ridiculed for so many years, the tables have turned.

Look at this year's Finals, the young players' performance was not as good as that of the Lakers back then, they are the "strongest runner-up"!
Lakers fans on Reddit were raving about the value of their "runner-up" finish, only to be refuted by Miami fans who argued that the Heat actually had the longest lead among all teams!

The title of "best runner-up" belongs to the Heat; teams from the Western Conference don't even deserve to be in the discussion.

After two days of discussion, the "strongest runner-up" debate has turned into a discussion about the "second best player in the league." Fans of Kobe and LeBron are divided on this issue, with everyone agreeing that their idols are the "second best."
The storm of public opinion also affected the Thunder players who came to New York. During their two-day rest period, Durant and Westbrook did not smile once.

What made the young people even more uncomfortable was that the "basketball mecca" during the regular season was completely gone, and a bunch of lunatics were performing all over Manhattan every day, mocking the Thunder.

Some extreme fans even called on Durant to give up the trophy. As for Westbrook, who "bragged" before the game, he has been boycotted, with shouts of "get out of New York" and "clown" heard everywhere.

Ironically, those who celebrated the championship early became the most normal group of fans, witnessing the chaotic scene in New York, leaving even the young people bewildered.
At 19:30 p.m. that evening, Madison Square Garden was packed to capacity. Although the fans were not as uniform as those in Oklahoma City, the atmosphere was far more exciting than that of the Thunder's home games.

From ABC's broadcast perspective, the lively atmosphere certainly lived up to its reputation as a basketball mecca, but if the original audio were played, the situation would be completely different.

Most fans were mocking their opponents, and some even launched a "map attack," blatantly mocking the "country team" with an air of superiority.

After the broadcaster played the Finals promotional video, the camera focused on Lee Yu, who was chatting and laughing with his teammates on the Knicks' bench. Compared to the worried young players, the veterans looked full of confidence.

Back on his home court, Mike Breen was all smiles in front of the cameras, expertly introducing the renovated Garden Arena, and finally making sure to promote the preserved player tunnel:

"The championship banners in the arena are showing the young Thunder players what dominance is!"

"Jeff, do you think there will be any changes in tonight's game?"

Dressed in a black suit, Van Gundy was naturally dressed as a "red scarf" (referring to his role as a Young Pioneer). Returning to this familiar arena and hearing the New York fans chanting his name, even the once-dominant championship coach felt a surge of emotion.
"It's very difficult! I agree with Mike, Lee's form is getting better and better, and he's been on an upward trend since the Eastern Conference Finals!"

“G2，14中14，45分11篮板11助攻4抢断3盖帽，李拿到总决赛第7次三双，雷霆队在防守端没有任何办法。”

"The key for the Thunder to win the game is for Westbrook and Harden to both explode; they need to find their Western Conference Finals form."

"However, it is important to note that reckless offensive choices are not advisable. Every mistake will likely result in a point for the opponent, so everyone needs to remain patient."

ABC then released Lee Woo's personal stats: a triple-double with a 100% field goal percentage in two games, which made many online fans watching the do-or-die game on TV exclaim in disbelief!

Before the game, the two commentators gave it a scathing review, basically echoing the sentiments of Magic Johnson and others in the studio behind them—that the Thunder had no chance whatsoever.

The New York reporters at the scene didn't care about their opponents at all. The question they asked Li You the most over the past two days was whether New York fans would be able to witness a new triple-double record in their home arena in the next two games.
During the final warm-up of the two teams, the camera also focused on the Thunder's family and friends sitting in the front row. Durant's mother, Wanda, looked worried, while Westbrook's family all looked grim.

There were many active and retired players present, and it wasn't uncommon for die-hard fans like Chris Paul to be there, but Kobe's arrival caused ABC's broadcast to pause for a few seconds.

"Let's go, Knicks!"

As it approached 20 p.m., cheers echoed throughout the arena. New York fans, who had been holding back for a year, were exceptionally enthusiastic. Even when some complained that the game was boring because it was a stomp on weaker teams, no one cared.

When Gasol won the jump ball, the cheers grew even louder. Perkins and Kenyon Martin quickly retreated to their own half, while Westbrook continued his passionate defense.

In the first possession, as Marion slid across the baseline from left to right, Ray Allen, who was setting a screen below, accelerated upwards. The Thunder players on the court quickly called out to each other, but Soflosa, who was chasing, was still delayed.

On the left elbow, Ibaka successfully blocked the opponent. Faced with the familiar tactic, Kenyon Martin was still a step slow. When Li You delivered the pass, the big man didn't even reach out to interfere.

Fortunately, Soflosa's chase defense forced Ray Allen to take a step, stop abruptly in the elbow area after a screen, and easily make a jump shot!
"Oh!!"

Amidst the deafening roar, Coach Brooks on the sidelines was shouting loudly, but the players on the court couldn't hear him at all.

However, the Thunder players could also see the coach's frustration. The same tactics always worked, and the opponents always succeeded. After reviewing the game, everyone realized this.

Westbrook, who had received instructions from the coach, was not as decisive as in Game 2. He quickly crossed half-court to the left wing and then immediately passed the ball across to Kenyon Martin.

When the veteran received the ball at the top of the arc, Soflosa immediately moved to the right wing to receive the ball, and was then closely marked by Ray Allen.

Unlike the previous two games, Marion's defensive aggression increased significantly after returning to their home court. Durant was constantly pulled and stretched as he tried to receive the ball and shoot on the right side of the court.

The young MVP tried to complain to the referee, but Marion seized the opportunity to get in front of him and block him, squeezing the young man onto him.

Frustrated, Durant muttered a curse and started shoving. His teammates didn't dare pass the ball directly, forcing him to come to the three-point line when he received it.

"Defense!"

As the cheers for the defense grew louder, Durant, who was near the right sideline, quickly realized his mistake. When he was double-teamed by Ray Allen, Li You had already moved to the top of the key.

Left with no other option, Durant, surrounded by defenders, could only pass the ball to Perkins, who was positioned on the lower right side of the basket. The big man was extremely aggressive, repeatedly posting up and attacking after receiving the ball.

After turning around, he squeezed his way to the basket. Perkins faked a move and tried to spring into action, but was blocked by Ibaka, who was helping on defense.

"Hey!!"

Perkins stumbled and yelled, but all he heard was cheers. Li You had already taken control of the ball in the paint, and the Knicks launched a transition offense.

When he reached the left flank, Soflosa immediately fouled, which angered the New York fans in the stadium, who then began to aggressively "output" the ball when taking the throw-in.

Li You made a simple cross-court pass to Ray Allen, who bounced to the top of the arc. Westbrook's aggressive defense paid off, and the three-pointer bounced off the rim.

As the long rebound bounced outwards to the left wing, Soflosa hurriedly started his run, but Li You grabbed the ball first and drove straight to the basket.

Perhaps the familiar arena reminded Kenyon Martin of painful memories from years past. The veteran didn't even extend his hand when he saw Li You near the lower left corner of the basket, watching his old rival spin in the air and finish with a left-handed layup.
The exciting goal became somewhat boring because the opponent didn't react. Li You, who was retreating on defense, shook his head slightly. The Thunder seemed to have lost some of their energy.

Still unable to find an opportunity to receive the ball and shoot, the defense, with its pulling and dragging, forced Durant to force his way through when he received the ball on the right side of the court.

As he approached the basket, Gasol's help defense was in place. Although Perkins had an open shot, Durant still threw the ball out to the three-point line, and after landing on the floor, he immediately accelerated and bounced outwards, trying to get the ball again.

Westbrook, who received the ball at this moment, was almost left wide open. Li You twisted his body near the free-throw line. Faced with such an opportunity, the young man hesitated and finally put the ball down with his right hand to feign a breakthrough.

After only two big dribbles, Westbrook stopped abruptly near the free-throw line and missed his jump shot over Li You's block.

"Brickbrook Strikes Again!"

Members of the New York fan club behind the basket held up whiteboards and shouted happily. "Brickbrook" is their new nickname, similar to Carmelo Anthony's previous one.
Perkins's desperate effort to grab the rebound was ineffective, and Gasol, who secured the rebound, didn't rush to pass the ball. He waited until the opponent started to retreat on defense before passing it to Li You.

The burly, black man with a bulging beard and glaring eyes stopped at the top of the key and loudly encouraged his teammates. Coach Brooks on the sidelines noticed something was wrong and almost rushed onto the court to defend himself.

Li You, who had been circling behind Gasol, suddenly changed direction near the logo. Westbrook barely managed to squeeze through the Spanish big man's screen, but could only watch the shot go by!
Perkins, who had symbolically raised his arm, immediately turned around, saw the basketball swish through the net, and his previous enthusiasm vanished instantly.
"What a shot!"

Mike Breen, in the commentary booth, exclaimed just like the New York fans in the stadium. No matter how many times he had seen it, such an outrageous range still seemed outrageous.

0-8, the game was once again one-sided. Van Gundy, hoping the young players would earn respect, offered advice again:

"Stepping to the free-throw line is the right choice; the Thunder need to score!"

Anxious Durant received the ball again in the right-side blocking area, released it with his left hand, immediately made a large crossover in front of his body, switched to his right hand, paused slightly, and then suddenly accelerated.

Marion was out of position, and Gasol's help defense under the basket was a beat too slow. Durant stopped early and attempted a floater, but unfortunately the ball bounced out of the basket.

Kenyon Martin touched the backboard, but in the scramble after landing, the veteran only saw Ibaka in front of him. Just as he turned around to grab the rebound, Li You, who had come to the inside, stole the ball.

Amid cheers, Kenyon Martin clapped in frustration and retreated defensively, only to find that his opponent had broken through his defense again.
At the top of the arc, with Gasol's screen, Li You, holding the ball with his left hand, accelerated laterally and suddenly led the ball forward. Perkins, who was delayed, could only watch as his opponent passed through the gaps in the crowd.

Despite Westbrook's continued aggressive defense and Kenyon Martin's collapse to the basket, the ball moved faster. Li You flicked his wrist, and Ibaka, lurking in the lower left corner of the basket, caught the ball and slammed it down.

"what!!"

The young players cheered excitedly, and the double-digit lead instantly ignited the entire arena. Everything was back; this was the rhythm of the game that New York fans loved. After figuring out the Knicks' defensive strategy and engaging in some back-and-forth play, Durant received the ball again on the right side of the court. This time, he placed the ball with his left hand, executed a series of post-up moves, and finally, after a shoulder shake, turned and faded a jump shot that found the net!

Durant clapped his hands repeatedly, his face dark with anxiety. He hoped to hold on for a few more possessions, but the Thunder's defense collapsed once again.

Upon noticing Soflosa's switch on defense, Li You immediately passed the ball to Gasol at the top of the arc, who in turn immediately passed it across to Ray Allen.

The ball movement was extremely fast, and when Ray Allen passed the ball again, Gasol used an off-ball screen to push Soflosa away.

Ignoring his opponent's attempt to block after squeezing through the screen, Li You received the ball again near the right wing, dribbled sideways for a step, and decisively launched a jump shot!
"Unstoppable! Li is still on fire tonight!"

Van Gundy couldn't help but loudly praise this scene, while Perkins, who was watching the shot from the sidelines, was completely stunned. Li You seemed to have "normalized" his outrageous shots.

The Thunder finally called a timeout. Head coach Brooks kept reassuring his players, and Carter, who was about to enter the game after returning to the bench, also shouted encouragement.

With the offense stalled and Durant heavily guarded, the team struggled to pick up the pace. Under these circumstances, head coach Brooks had no choice but to make adjustments:

"We need to be decisive! Listen, this is a battle, and weakness will only make us lose more!"

"Show all your energy; we are the younger side, and we don't feel tired."

After being showered with pep talks, the young man finally perked up. Westbrook, who had been mostly out of the public eye for the past few minutes, also showed a determined look. Thinking of his idol's encouragement, he secretly cheered himself on.

When Vince Carter entered the game, the Thunder's offensive space immediately improved significantly. When Perkins came to the left wing to set a screen, Westbrook, holding the ball with his left hand, accelerated laterally and then quickly cut into the middle.

The young man exerted all his strength, lowered his center of gravity and accelerated continuously. When he arrived at the paint area, he took a step and immediately took off into the air.

Westbrook could feel the resistance from his side. He knew that Li You, who had bypassed the screen, was in position. At this moment, he leaned his body to the left and back in the air, and moved the ball to the side with both hands.

"Oh!"

Amid cheers from New York fans, the young man, twisting and turning, attempted a shot but was ultimately blocked by Li You's powerful block.

Westbrook and the ball flew out of bounds together, crashing into the camera's view with an incredulous expression. He twisted his body like a pretzel, yet his shot was still blocked.
Refusing to be pulled away by his teammates, and amidst the jeers of the New York fans, Westbrook stood up, glared, and shouted:
"You can't scare me! I'll keep attacking! No one can stop me!"

"."

With the help of mental fortitude, Westbrook, who hadn't scored a single point, was in high spirits. His passionate state also encouraged his teammates. The ball was inbounded from the baseline, and Carter pulled up for a jump shot on the left wing and scored!
This three-pointer completely broke the Thunder's scoring drought, and in the next few minutes, Durant and Carter began to respond one after another.

Coach Brooks on the sidelines was still somewhat anxious, as the point difference showed no signs of narrowing and the opponent was showing signs of scoring from multiple angles.

Marion was left wide open at the top of the arc, and Li You, who was dribbling along the baseline, found the veteran and calmly sank the open three-pointer.

Ibaka couldn't keep up with Durant's speed. The MVP broke through along the baseline on the left corner, held off the defender under the basket, and scored with a layup.

On the defensive end, Perkins moved a bit faster than usual, and under a large delay, Li You passed the ball early in the right-side blocking area, allowing Gasol to hit a mid-range jump shot from the free-throw line.

On the offensive possession, Westbrook accelerated from the top of the key, but was forced to slow down after a collision at the free-throw line. His forced layup was then stolen by Li You.

When the Thunder committed another foul, the New York fans in the arena launched another round of "outbursts"!
Durant, struggling to close the gap, was frustrated to find that his partner would suddenly falter in crucial possessions. With 3 minutes and 23 seconds left in the first quarter, Westbrook missed a layup on a rare fast break opportunity.
Harden, who came off the bench to make the putback, could only watch helplessly as Li Youshun grabbed the rebound and committed a foul, putting the Thunder in the free throw zone.

The Thunder's relentless double-teaming did have some effect, and they finally launched their signature counterattack late in the first quarter, with Harden assisting Durant for a fast break layup!

The Knicks, now in their rotation phase, have been in "easy-hitting mode." Danny Green, who had just missed a shot in the previous possession, was left open this time and made a jump shot from the right wing.

Durant, who also started to encounter help defense, encountered an awkward situation. Watching Westbrook, who was left wide open, miss his shot at the top of the key, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and continued to chase and defend.

"Poor shooting! But Westbrook did make the right offensive choices."

"I hope young people will not lose faith."

Van Gundy continued to encourage him, while Mike Breen looked on strangely. He felt that Westbrook seemed to be getting "more and more energetic" and that the young man's energy had increased significantly since he participated more in the offense.

Despite the increasing pace of the Thunder, they held on in the first quarter, closing the gap to 23-32, within 10 points. This gave Durant a sigh of relief as he returned to his seat.

At the start of the second quarter, the visiting team's head coach, Brooks, was interviewed by Doris Burke. When asked about the team's comeback, he immediately responded with a determined look:

"I just let my players be themselves. Tonight's game was a huge test for the young players, and everyone played under pressure."

"Turning pressure into motivation is what the boys should do, and I'm glad we're gradually getting back into rhythm."

"."

During the interview, Harden and Durant both missed three-pointers. Seeing Davis quickly pass the ball, Nick Collison loudly directed his teammates to get into position.

Harden, chasing back to the right wing, kept his center of gravity low and kept sliding, but Irving, determined to break through, made a big looping motion to gather the ball while moving, and after shaking off the defense, he floated the ball in the paint and scored.

Cheers erupted once again in the arena. During the offensive possession, Harden seemed to be daydreaming, and his pass to Durant was intercepted by Butler.

Davis launched a lightning-fast counterattack, leaving Harden behind, and quickly scored a layup, sending the Knicks' bench into a frenzy.

Just over two minutes into the game, veteran Martin replaced the panting Durant, and on the Knicks' side, Li You also returned to the court, a scene that drew cheers from many sports reporters in the arena.

Durant returned to his seat, covered in sweat. Tonight, his opponents had clearly focused more on defense, relentlessly harassing him from the first quarter.

Durant gulped down water, and the point difference returned to double digits, making him uneasy. Watching Westbrook miss another open three-pointer, the young MVP was starting to feel the strain.
Li You, who had just grabbed the rebound, smiled and, as he crossed half-court, noticed that the opponent hadn't provided early help defense. He then suddenly accelerated beyond the three-point line.

Westbrook's eyes widened and he instinctively slid, but he quickly lost his defensive position. Kenyon Martin, near the elbow, tried to contest the shot, but he was too slow. In the blink of an eye, Li You was already close to the basket.

Nick Collison, who was trying to block the shot under the basket, had no choice but to stop. Li You had already dribbled the ball with his right hand and leaned out to lay it up!

"Oh!!"

The basketball went in off the backboard, and the New York fans in the arena roared with excitement. Fan club members holding whiteboards danced wildly, the message on them bringing smiles to the faces of the surrounding crowd:
"Westbrick: New York's New Landmark!"

The friendly reference to Westbrook as "Westbrook Iron" is something that, despite the young people's efforts to ignore, the mockery of it as a "new New York landmark" stirs up their emotions once again.

After passing the ball around continuously on the offensive possession, Carter was still reminding his teammates to set screens when Westbrook, who was far from the top of the key, suddenly accelerated.

It was another sudden stop and collision near the free-throw line. Westbrook's jump shot missed again, and the rebound was immediately taken by Gasol, who had just entered the game.

This time, Li You didn't receive the ball again. Instead, he unexpectedly accelerated towards the halfway line, leaving the unprepared Westbrook behind in an instant with his off-ball movement.

Irving received the ball and quickly advanced, and as he approached the left wing, he immediately flicked the ball towards the upper right side of the basket.

Amid cheers from New York fans, Lee Yu, who was a step ahead, calmly jumped, glided through the air, scooped up the ball with his right hand, and then slammed it down with a powerful dunk!

"what!"

The rookie who delivered the pass shouted excitedly and pounded his chest repeatedly. The sudden counterattack ignited the atmosphere in the arena, changing the somewhat dull atmosphere at the end of the first quarter. New York fans started shouting wildly again.

Harden signaled to his teammates to stay calm and initiated a screen. After being delayed, Collison immediately responded at the free-throw line.

Carter, in the left corner, signaled to Martin to be careful with his positioning. While the veteran was entangled with Ibaka, Westbrook received the ball with his back to goal in the left blocking area and then launched a fierce post-up attack.

After two consecutive attempts to get past him, Westbrook suddenly took control of the ball with his left hand, trying to accelerate and get away. The plan was good, but Li You moved quickly and made a steal as soon as he touched the ball.

Westbrook, attempting to steal the ball back, was ultimately brought down to the floor by the accelerating Li You. As the young man angrily pounded the floor, the cheers in the arena grew louder and louder.

Collison, who was about to commit a foul, was tricked by the push and stumbled, and could only watch as Li You continued to accelerate along the left sideline.

With no one interfering, Harden, who had just returned to half-court on defense, was still moving toward the paint when Irving behind him had already raised his hands high at the mid-court line.

As Li You hit a three-pointer, the Knicks' bench erupted in cheers.

The Thunder called a timeout, and the game seemed to have returned to the beginning of the first quarter. Coach Brooks anxiously reminded everyone to stay focused, and Durant also started pointing at the playbook.

When both teams' starting lineups returned, Van Gundy sighed inwardly in the commentary booth. An 11-0 run had sealed the game's fate, and he could only offer a tactful comment:
"The lack of championship experience prevented the Thunder from controlling the game's tempo, and for a young team like them, Game 3 was indeed too difficult."

"."

An impatient Durant attempted a turnaround jump shot on the left side of the court, but missed. The Thunder players, retreating on defense, became increasingly anxious, and their defensive actions became more and more aggressive.

After a series of passes, Ray Allen on the right wing signaled to Gasol to come to the top of the key to receive the pass. When Li You moved laterally on the other side to receive the handoff, Westbrook, who had broken through the defense, forced his way past him.

After the physical collision, Li You leaned to the side, held the ball with his left hand, and tossed it out. The referee immediately blew his whistle.

Westbrook, sprawled on the floor, stared blankly at the basketball in the air. Cheers erupted again, and the swish of the ball through the net left the young man sitting motionless on the floor.
"MVP! MVP! MVP!"

When Li You stepped to the free-throw line, the shouts were incessant. The New York fans in the arena could already feel the breath of victory, and they were about to take the game away in one fell swoop at halftime!

Harden's free throw had just calmed the Thunder players down when, on a defensive possession, just past half-court and before reaching the right wing, Li You, having shaken off his defender, launched another shot, screened by Gasol.
When the basketball swished through the net, the Thunder players on the court stared blankly, momentarily forgetting to inbound the ball. Almost everyone looked bewildered, as if they were questioning their very existence.

When his teammates gave up, only Westbrook continued to drive hard, but unfortunately his layup attempt in the middle of the crowd was blocked by Li Youyi.

Coach Brooks, watching from the sidelines, turned his back. Just as he had predicted, Soflosa, who was on the defensive, was easily evaded by Li Youda's backhand circle. The referee blew the whistle, and the basketball went in off the backboard.

The New York fans at the scene jumped and celebrated wildly. Li You's scoring ability was explosive, and the point difference increased rapidly!
Durant was unable to maintain his previous high efficiency when the team was behind, and his offensive choices became problematic, with frequent missed jump shots prompting Harden to yell in frustration.

Westbrook's eyes were fixed on the ball, and he went straight for it. As time went on, his turnovers increased, allowing Li You to rack up stats in a few possessions.
The sudden collapse even broke the veterans on the bench. Carter covered his face with his hands, the referee blew the whistle again, and with Perkins pulling him away, Li You casually tossed the basketball into the net!

When halftime ended, Westbrook and Durant walked toward the player tunnel with blank minds, while Harden, following behind, kept his head down and remained silent, with only the New York fans on both sides cheering happily.

With a quarter ending in 16:40, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they are destined for a brutal beating tonight.
Once inside the locker room, Westbrook, regaining his composure, could no longer contain his disappointment. He sat down and silently shed tears. Noticing Durant's red-rimmed eyes, the young man said, his voice trembling slightly:

"Bro, I don't want to lose like this."

(End of this chapter)