Bab 126: Showdown at Position Three
In the game against the Indiana Pacers, Lian Dao put on an extraordinary performance, achieving a career-high 48 points along with 11 assists and 8 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. This explosive display helped the Knicks secure their fifth consecutive victory, marking their best start since 2000.
The five-game winning streak was a stunning turnaround for the Knicks, who had struggled at the bottom of the Eastern Conference in the previous season. With Lian Dao now leading the team, the Knicks had experienced an unexpected and impressive surge.
The media was taken aback by this dramatic shift. Despite facing mostly weaker opponents, the Knicks' performance was noteworthy, given their recent history. The change was attributed largely to Lian Dao's impact, which was nothing short of revolutionary.
During this impressive start, Lian Dao was honored with the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award on November 1. His averages for the first three games were remarkable: 39 points, 16 assists, and 11.6 rebounds. In comparison, Dwight Howard, who was second in the Eastern Conference Player of the Week race, averaged 21.7 points and 16 rebounds per game. The Orlando Magic also boasted a perfect record in their three games, but Lian Dao's superior stats made him the clear choice for the award.
In the Western Conference, Carmelo Anthony earned the Player of the Week honors with averages of 37.7 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 5-0 start and the top spot in the Western Conference.
Despite the Knicks' impressive run, many media analysts were skeptical about the team's ability to maintain their momentum. The upcoming schedule included formidable opponents such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal, and the Utah Jazz, a strong team in the Western Conference playoffs. The consensus was that the Knicks' fairytale start might face a severe test against these elite teams.
...
I
n Cleveland, inside a villa, Dwyane Wade called LeBron James.
"LeBron, I hear you're up against the Knicks next game?" Wade asked, a mix of curiosity and caution in his voice.
"Yes, brother. I'm looking forward to it. I'll make sure to get some revenge for you," LeBron replied, clearly excited.
He was surprised that both Wade and the fourth member of their Four Heroes group had struggled against the same rookie. The fact that this rookie was making waves by taking down elite players was a major talking point.
"LeBron, don't underestimate this kid. His physical fitness is top-notch. He has an exceptional three-pointer and a breakthrough speed that rivals even a guard's," Wade advised.
"Second brother, are you worried about this rookie? Don't be. I'll show him what the Four Heroes are all about!" James dismissed Wade's concerns with confidence.
Seeing James was adamant, Wade could only shake his head, slightly amused and resigned. It seemed James wasn't going to take any advice to heart.
The hype around the Knicks versus Cavaliers game was immense. The media was buzzing about the duel between Lian Dao and LeBron James. The young rookie was creating a buzz, with many commentators suggesting he was transcending the typical rookie experience and didn't seem to need any adaptation period in the NBA.
November 6, 8 p.m., Madison Square Garden: The anticipation was palpable. Not only was there excitement for the head-to-head between Lian Dao and James, but the game would also determine if the Knicks could extend their winning streak or if a loss would lead to a potential losing streak. For the Cavaliers, a win would push their record to 4-3.
Madison Square Garden was packed, with notable attendees like director Spike Lee in the stands. The game would be commentated by Charles Barkley, a known fan of Lian Dao, and his partner Kenny Smith.
Before the game, James kept his eyes locked on Lian Dao. He wanted to see what made Wade so concerned. As he observed Lian Dao, James noticed something striking—Lian Dao's wingspan.
"Hiss! What a monster. His wingspan is incredible," James muttered to himself.
He glanced at Lian Dao's impressive wingspan and then at his own, feeling a tinge of insecurity. Although James had a wingspan of 214 cm, which was impressive, it paled in comparison to Lian Dao's.
Lian Dao, on the other hand, noticed James's intense gaze but couldn't quite figure out why. He wondered if his recent late-night chat with his little senior sister might have caused some distraction.
As the game approached, Lian Dao focused on his pre-game routine. He practiced his shooting, hitting several three-pointers with precision, which boosted his confidence for the upcoming challenge.
...
In the CCTV live broadcast room:
"Hello, viewers, and welcome to the live NBA game broadcast on our sports channel. Tonight's matchup features the New York Knicks facing off against the Cleveland Cavaliers."
"We're your commentators for this game, and we'll be guiding you through all the action."
"The Knicks have made significant strides this season with the addition of Lian Dao. They've quickly emerged as one of the biggest dark horses in the Eastern Conference, currently tied with the Magic and the Celtics at the top of the East."
"Meanwhile, the Cavaliers have bolstered their roster by trading for Shaquille O'Neal before the season. Despite being 37 years old, O'Neal remains a formidable force. The Cavaliers were a playoff team last season, and their lineup continues to be very strong."
"This game is more than just a clash between these two teams—it's also a highly anticipated duel between two of the league's brightest young talents."
"Fans are eager to see which of these standout players will shine the brightest."
"Rather than focusing solely on the team matchup, this game is also a showcase for the showdown between Lian Dao and LeBron James. Both are extraordinary talents: Lian Dao, the 'Record Reaper,' has been making waves with his impressive statistics, while James, known as 'The Little Emperor,' has been a dominant force in the league."
"The competition between these two seems almost fated, as both are at the top of their game and ready to prove themselves against each other."
On the Cavaliers' bench, Danny Green watched Lian Dao on the court with a mix of envy and longing.
Seeing someone from the same draft class shine so brightly only reminds me of how much more I want to achieve. I want to be in the spotlight just like Lian Dao. Talent plays a huge role, but so does opportunity
Green sighed, feeling a bit disheartened. Even though he was ready to contribute at any moment, including during garbage time, the spotlight seemed to be reserved for others.
The starting lineups for tonight's game:
Knicks:
Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Lian Dao, Paul Millsap and David Lee
Cavaliers:
Mo Williams, Anthony Parker, LeBron James, Anderson Varejao and Shaquille O'Neal
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone