179. Extra Chapter
Starting in the third quarter, the Knicks scored a whopping 36 points, closing the gap to just two points. Their efficiency in closing the gap left Knicks fans somewhat bewildered.
After all, eating cornbread every day, it's really hard to adjust to suddenly having dumplings.
Their cheers immediately grew even louder.
Meanwhile, some knowledgeable fans noticed that Li Chen was like a sophisticated instrument connecting the entire Knicks.
Whether on offense or defense, the trade has given the Knicks a fresh new look. They initially thought Dolan was foolish to pay such a high price to bring Li Chen to the Knicks, but now they see it as a perfect trade.
Sitting in his VIP box, Dolan was extremely satisfied with the deafening cheers. Ticket revenue was a minor matter; the most important thing was that he felt prestigious!
Moreover, all dissatisfaction with Alvin Gentry vanished; instead, there was great appreciation for this sudden reversal.
From a fan's perspective, this feeling was absolutely amazing.
When the fourth quarter began, after Payton missed his first shot, Li Chen grabbed the rebound.
He then shot Payton in the face.
The basketball flew past Payton's fingertips, tracing a beautiful arc as it flew towards the basket.
Swish! The basketball goes through the net cleanly.
The Knicks tied the game at 75-75.
After tying the score, the Knicks fans were even more excited, hoping that Li Chen would continue his efforts and take the lead.
But just then, Paul Pierce, nicknamed "The Truth," stepped up and hit consecutive three-pointers.
The Knicks' plan to take the lead has fallen through.
But when it comes to shooting three-pointers, Li Chen is a master.
The two began firing off three-pointers in quick succession.
The score remained close, fluctuating between different players.
This scene thrilled Knicks fans, who cheered whether it was Paul Pierce of the Celtics scoring or Li Chen scoring.
There's absolutely no distinction between home and away teams; that's just how peculiar New York Knicks fans are.
After Paul Pierce sank three three-pointers, he couldn't hold back any longer, and when he tried to shoot his fourth three-pointer, the basketball bounced off the rim.
The moment he missed, he was met with a unified chorus of boos from the Knicks fans.
Some low-class fans even hurled insults, such as "trash" and "garbage," and their voices were quite loud.
Paul Pierce had an urge to beat those damn fans to a pulp.
After securing the defensive rebound, the Knicks launched a counterattack.
After receiving the pass, Li Chen Pull-up Jumper and hit another three-pointer.
A deafening roar of cheers erupted in Madison Square Garden, a stark contrast to what had just taken place.
Hearing the deafening cheers, Li Chen felt no excitement, only endless sighs—no, it would be more accurate to call them complaints.
He was exasperated with the Knicks fans; winning them over was no easy feat! But thankfully, he was a cheat code.
When Pierce was outmatched, Li Chen stopped shooting three-pointers and instead kept attacking the Celtics' basket.
Seeing this, Payton hardened his heart, not wanting Li Chen to steal the spotlight even if it meant committing a foul. However, Li Chen, equipped with the [Miracle Shot], was least afraid of fouls, so Payton's actions were completely ineffective.
No, that's not entirely true. At the very least, he serves as a very suitable backdrop, further highlighting Li Chen's strength.
Seeing the bustling Tracy McGrady Square Garden, he sighed slightly. It had been so many years since Madison Square Garden had been this popular. Alan Johnson could only sigh with emotion.
When the fourth quarter ended, the Knicks scored another 40 points, while the Celtics followed suit with 29.
Finally, the New York Knicks defeated the visiting Celtics 112-104 at home.
In this game, Celtics' Pierce played 40 minutes, shooting 10-for-20, scoring 30 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out 8 assists, and adding 1 steal. He also made 4-for-6 from three-point range and 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Pierce, the "The Truth," truly lived up to his reputation.
Knicks, Crawford 20 points.
Other key players also scored around 10 points.
Li Chen played 45 minutes, scoring 45 points, shooting 15-for-25 from the field, with 10 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals. He also made 5-for-6 from three-point range and 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.
At the post-match press conference that followed.
A male reporter came up and immediately asked some pointed questions.
"Mr. Li Chen, why didn't you start today?"
Li Chen inwardly cursed the group of reporters who were always there, but he smiled and said, "Our team is very harmonious. I have a good relationship with Houston. Also, tonight was actually a bet. Houston bragged to me that he could win the game even if he had diarrhea."
Li Chen shrugged and joked, "As it turns out, he's not Michael."
Upon hearing this, the reporters were all taken aback. Was it true? They all remained skeptical.
Alvin Gentry was also taken aback. He never expected Li Chen to be so good at lying through his teeth. If he hadn't been involved, he would have believed him.
At this moment, Li Chen looked at Alvin Gentry, as if to say, "Coach, you'd better save the day!"
Alvin Gentry was somewhat annoyed, but he couldn't back up his student, so he reluctantly said, "Yes, I can vouch for that."
Upon hearing Alvin Gentry's earnest explanation, the reporters suddenly realized what was going on.
But what they never expected was that Alvin Gentry was someone who would lie without hesitation for his own students.
Li Chen's words were impeccable; although he was mocking Allan Johnson for not being as good as Michael Jordan, wasn't that perfectly reasonable?
You have to understand, that's the God of Basketball! Although peak Alan Johnson was quite skilled, he couldn't compare to the God of Basketball.
Then the reporter asked, "What are your thoughts on the Knicks' performance tonight?"
Li Chen thought for a moment and said seriously, "We didn't have enough chemistry in the game. Some of my passes were not well-received by my teammates. We need more practice and to work on our coordination."
Upon hearing this, the reporters couldn't help but recall the comical scenes on the field. They smiled knowingly; yes, they really lacked teamwork.
Are you confident that the Knicks will make the Playoffs?
"Of course, because my teammates are all very strong and have the ability to make the Playoffs."
The reporters were speechless, thinking to themselves, "You're really giving them too much credit!"
The next day, Allan Houston heard that Li Chen hadn't belittled him the night before, which touched him. He then found some time to talk to Li Chen.
Since that day, the two have become good friends.
Domestic.
As the saying goes, money makes the world go round, and the Village BA is fully equipped. The specific prize money for the first season is 30,000 yuan for the first place, 20,000 yuan for the second place, and 10,000 yuan for the third place.
This county has a tradition of playing basketball, and now that there's money to be made, they're naturally eager to participate.
Back in 2004, my monthly salary was only four or five hundred yuan, and my annual income was only five or six thousand yuan.
Guizhou, which has always been a poor province, has an even lower per capita income.
So this money is just too tempting.
Li Ruping was initially confused as to why Li Chen was doing this.
He understood after Li Chen explained it to him.
Li Chen's reasons were twofold: firstly, to strengthen the basketball movement in his home country, and secondly, to make money. He believed that once the Village BA became popular, many savvy people would advertise it, thus making money for both the local government and himself.