Chương 118: Opening Game Against Miami Heat
In the next six preseason games, the Knicks experienced both wins and losses, ultimately finishing with a record of 4-4. The preseason, as is typical, saw limited participation from the core players, with most of them playing only a few minutes per game if they played at all.
During these six games, the standout performer was Paul Millsap, who averaged 28.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game. He was closely followed by David Lee, who contributed an impressive 24.5 points, 14 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. The Knicks' lineup showed signs of improvement, particularly in the developing chemistry between Millsap and Lee.
Millsap's defensive prowess helped alleviate some of the pressure on Lee, who was more focused on scoring, rebounding, and passing. Their collaboration led to a more fluid and rapid inside offense, even though the team's interior defense still had noticeable gaps.
While the Knicks' overall preseason record was neither spectacular nor disastrous, it provided a glimpse into the potential of the team's rebuilding efforts. Fans who had seen Lian Dao's impressive debut in the first two preseason games were a bit disappointed that he did not play in the remaining six, but his initial performances left them optimistic about his impact in the regular season.
As the preseason wrapped up, excitement among Knicks fans grew in anticipation of the regular season, which was set to begin on October 28. The Knicks' first opponent would be the Miami Heat, a team that had traded for Jermaine O'Neal last season and, under Dwyane Wade's leadership, secured the fifth-best record in the Eastern Conference. Although the Heat were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs, their solid performance indicated that they would be a formidable opponent in the Knicks' season opener.
Facing the Heat in the opening game would provide a real test for the Knicks. A victory against such a well-regarded team could set a positive tone for the season, while a loss would reveal areas that still needed improvement. The Knicks' fans were eager to see how their team, especially with the addition of Lian Dao, would fare against a strong playoff contender like the Miami Heat.
...
Lian Dao carefully reviewed his physical and skill data before the much-anticipated opening game. As he did so, the system presented him with a new set of tasks for his NBA rookie season.
{Displaying status...
---------------
Host: Lian Dao
Position: Small Forward
Overall Evaluation: 86 (A+) - NBA All-Star caliber, strong starter potential.
Points: 2
Currently included jerseys: 2
Birthday: 1990.12.15
Height: 204cm (205cm with shoes)
Wingspan: 223cm
Weight: 105kg
Bounce: 84 (94)
Strength: 89 (94)
Sprint speed: 92 (92)
Dexterity: 79 (86)
Stamina: 81 (89)
Field of view: 88 (93)
Basketball IQ: 98
Skill Evaluation:
Ball handling: 87 (94)
Passing: 86 (96)
Breakthrough: 92 (92)
Finishing: 79 (87)
Mid-range shooting: 75 (85)
Three-point shooting: 91 (97)
Rebounding: 79 (93)
Defense: 89 (89)
Injury resistance: 93
---------------
Special Ability:
Grant Hill's Fastest First Step: 5% increase in breakthrough speed
Training Space:
Immersive Training: 2 hours daily, with double training effect bonuses. Training time can be extended by 1 minute for 1 point and can be combined with training effect bonus cards.
Exclusive Skills Training: Special training with Magic Johnson focusing on passing. Potential to earn the "Master Pass" badge.
}
*DING*
{
New Mission: Rookie Set Sail!
1. Win Rookie of the Year:
- Reward: Exclusive skill training from a retired superstar player.
2. Lead the Knicks to the playoffs (finish at least 8th in the Eastern Conference):
- Reward: 10 attribute points added to the upper limit of any talent (with an additional 5 points for each rank higher than 8th).
3. Exchange jerseys with an opponent:
- Reward: Additional jersey talent draw.
4. Win NBA Rookie of the Month:
- Reward: Randomly increase the potential cap of one attribute to 94.
5. Win NBA Rookie of the Week:
- Reward: Randomly increase the value of one attribute to its maximum limit.
}
Lian Dao felt particularly motivated by the chance to receive exclusive skill training from retired superstar players. His previous experience training with Magic Johnson after the Asian Championships had already significantly enhanced his passing abilities.
With these new challenges ahead of him, Lian Dao was more determined than ever to make his mark in the NBA, starting with the upcoming season opener. The journey ahead promised to be both demanding and rewarding, and Lian Dao was ready to give it his all.
...
October 28, 7:30 p.m., American Airlines Arena—Miami Heat's home court—was set to host the NBA season opener. The Knicks faced an immediate challenge, starting the season with back-to-back away games due to their poor record from the previous season.
The arena was packed with a mix of Heat fans and a substantial number of Knicks supporters, many of whom had traveled specifically to see Lian Dao play.
Despite the Heat's respectable finish of fifth in the Eastern Conference last season, their attendance had declined from the heights reached after their 2006 championship win. Nevertheless, the crowd was enthusiastic, a rare sight during the regular season.
As the teams warmed up, Paul Millsap approached Lian Dao. "Sickle, do you think we can win this opener?" he asked, aware of the formidable opponent.
Tonight's matchup was against the Miami Heat, led by Dwyane Wade, who was at the peak of his career. Wade, having averaged 30.2 points per game and won the scoring title last season, was one of the league's top shooting guards.
Alongside him were Jermaine O'Neal, who despite not making the All-Star lineup was still a strong player, and Michael Beasley, whose game had matured significantly since his rookie season. Coach Eric Spoelstra, a young and trusted figure in the league, added to the Heat's strength.
Lian Dao, unfazed by the challenge, playfully punched Millsap's biceps and replied, "Old bird, you seem to lack confidence." His relaxed demeanor and confidence were evident, and Millsap, noting Lian Dao's calm, couldn't help but smile, reassured by his teammate's strong mental composure.
The game was also being broadcast live by CCTV, with Director Zhang and Yu Jia as guest commentators. "Facing the newly crowned scoring champion Wade in an away opener certainly adds pressure on the Knicks," Director Zhang noted.
"Yes, but this game will be a good measure of the Knicks' strength this season," Yu Jia added.
On the court, Coach D'Antoni gathered the players for a final briefing. "Stick to the tactics we've prepared. Don't let the pressure get to you—play your game," he instructed, offering reassurance to Lian Dao.
"Don't worry, Coach. I'm not nervous at all," Lian Dao replied, brimming with enthusiasm and ready for the challenge. His confidence was evident, a clear indicator of his strong psychological resilience.
With the warm-up complete, the game was ready to begin. The starting lineups were announced:
New York Knicks: Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Lian Dao, Paul Millsap and David Lee
Miami Heat: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Quentin Richardson, Michael Beasley and Jermaine O'Neal
The game was about to begin, with both teams ready to make their mark in the new season.
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