On the other side, Philadelphia's local media went all out to protect their own star, Iverson.
The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article: The Answer May Have Lost, but He Still Deserves Honor—the Eastern Conference's Future Belongs to Allen Iverson.
The entire article contained no blame toward Iverson for the loss.
Instead, it criticized the team's management for its poor roster construction, saying the entire team lacked a second scoring option.
Public opinion across the United States was sharply divided, yet there was a shared consensus.
First, the Knicks' twin kings, Li Fei and Jordan, were the league's only truly elite duo. No team could stop them.
Second, Iverson's individual ability had entered the league's top tier, and the guards of the new era had officially taken over.
Third, every regular-season team was merely a supporting act before the Knicks faced the Lakers on Christmas Day.
While the media buzz continued to build, the Knicks' regular-season campaign did not slow down in the slightest.
After finishing their home opener, the Knicks embarked on a consecutive road trip.
The team traveled to four major road venues in Indiana, Charlotte, Boston, and Miami.
They faced four Eastern Conference powerhouses: the Pacers, Hornets, Celtics, and Heat.
The Knicks encountered no real resistance throughout the trip.
Against the Pacers, Li Fei overwhelmed Miller's era of interior big men, putting up a monstrous 38 points and 20 rebounds.
Jordan hit two straight clutch fadeaways in the fourth quarter to narrowly defeat the longtime Eastern Conference powerhouse.
Against the Hornets, the Knicks' perimeter firepower exploded.
Allan Houston and Madman combined for 40 points, easily taking the game.
Against the Celtics, Li Fei recorded eight blocks, directly sealing off the Celtics' paint.
He handed the Celtics a crushing 20-point defeat.
Against the Heat, Mourning did everything he could