This hard man had battled in the league for years, weathered countless storms, and could fall asleep the moment his head hit the pillow before or after any game. Yet on this night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
The Knicks' smooth, flowing offense kept replaying in his mind, along with the image of himself stepping onto that familiar court as their opponent.
The next day, sports media across the United States erupted over the Knicks' resounding victory.
Sports Illustrated's cover headline read—[New York's New Order: Without "Grandmama," They Look More Like a Dynasty]. The article closely analyzed the Knicks' tactical evolution, arguing that Sabonis joining the team and Latrell Sprewell entering the starting lineup had completely freed up Li Fei, elevating the Knicks' offensive system to another level.
On ESPN's flagship program Pardon the Interruption, hosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon engaged in a heated debate.
"Tony, you have to admit it—these Knicks look even scarier than they did last season! They're no longer relying on Li Fei and Larry Johnson to power through as a two-man core. This is real team basketball!"
"Michael, I agree that they're strong, but it's too early to draw conclusions. Larry Johnson's locker-room leadership and his toughness in clutch moments can't be measured by statistics. I just want to know—when the Knicks face Larry Johnson next game, how will he feel?"
The fan forums were in an uproar as well.
"I told you so! Letting Grandmama go was the right choice! He hogged the ball too much, and his style was too old-school! Look at how smoothly the Knicks move the ball now!"
"Don't say that. Grandmama was also a key contributor to last season's championship. But it was definitely disappointing that he left for the money. Now that the Knicks have