The New York Knicks inbounded from the backcourt, and the ball went to Raymond Felton. After receiving it, Felton quickly began dribbling up toward the other half.
Tony Allen, who was assigned to defend him, did not press Jeff Teague full court this time as he had in the first-round series.
After all, although Tony Allen had a slight height advantage over Raymond Felton, Felton was an exceptionally strong and experienced point guard.
So, after careful consideration, Tony Allen opted for a more conservative defensive strategy—standing firmly at the top of the three-point arc and waiting quietly for Raymond Felton to approach.
Before long, Raymond Felton smoothly dribbled the ball to the top of the arc.
Just then, Carmelo Anthony came sprinting in from the wing like a bolt of lightning.
At the same time, Goodwin, who was defending Carmelo Anthony, naturally had no intention of letting him get his way. He stayed tight on Anthony, constantly initiating heavy body contact as they ran.
Yet it did nothing to slow Carmelo Anthony's stride.
He fought stubbornly through Goodwin's physical pressure while continuing resolutely toward Raymond Felton.
In the blink of an eye, Carmelo Anthony reached Raymond Felton's side.
The two displayed astonishing chemistry, seemingly reading each other's minds as they completed an exquisite handoff.
Raymond Felton unhesitatingly placed the ball in Carmelo Anthony's hands, then shifted his sturdy body to try to block Goodwin, who was chasing from behind.
Goodwin seemed to possess an almost superhuman instinct. He sensed Raymond Felton's intentions in advance.
He deftly controlled his body, slipping lightly and swiftly past Raymond Felton like a nimble fish.
Then, without hesitation, he continued racing toward Carmelo Anthony.
In the blink of an eye, Goodwin caught up to Carmelo Anthony like a flash of lightning and successfully stopped him