But the Knicks' lead remained a mere 2 points. 75:73.
The decisive fourth quarter had finally arrived.
For the first five minutes, Li Fei continued his previous approach, patiently setting up his teammates.
Like a calculating hunter, he continuously wore down his opponents' stamina and will, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
With five minutes left in the game, the Knicks led 85:84 by 1 point.
The air inside Madison Square Garden seemed to have frozen, and everyone held their breath.
Everyone knew that moment was coming.
The Knicks were on offense. Li Fei no longer orchestrated from the high post, instead taking the ball directly at the top of the arc.
Duncan and Robinson immediately closed in from either side as if by reflex, forming a textbook double-team.
But this time, Li Fei did not pass.
He glanced at the shot clock. There were still 18 seconds left on the 24-second clock.
The instant Duncan shifted his weight slightly forward, trying to disrupt his passing lane, Li Fei moved!
His massive body took a probing step to the right with an agility that defied physics, then he violently pulled the ball back, flowing from a behind-the-back dribble into a between-the-legs move. The basketball danced between his legs like a lively sprite.
For a split second, Duncan and Robinson's defensive formation fell into disarray.
That split second was all he needed!
Li Fei gathered the ball and rose off the floor!
His release point was incredibly high, his body leaning slightly backward in midair. The entire motion flowed like drifting clouds and running water, filled with a classical beauty.
Wary of his drive, Duncan and Robinson had positioned their double-team a step inside the three-point line. At that distance, for the tall and long-armed Li Fei, it was practically