Chapter 510: One versus Five
While Tony Allen was surprised by Yang Mo's IQ, the short timeout ended and the game resumed with a whistle.
When the game resumed, Anthony Randolph immediately stood at the free throw line and had to take two free throws.
"The Knicks players seemed particularly resilient tonight. They were able to use their defense to contain the Celtics' offensive system. It's incredible." TNT commentator Collins said in surprise when Anthony Randolph was shooting free throws: "They actually beat the Celtics 6-0. Oh, now it's 7-0. Randolph made his first free throw."
"I think the Knicks are trying to fight hard. This is very likely their last stand. If they fight so hard today and still can't win, their subsequent resistance will be greatly weakened, and they may even surrender." Kenny Smith, who hasn't been on TNT commentary for a long time, analyzed methodically: "I think it's very likely Super Yang's influence, but if they don't win this time, he won't be able to get his teammates to fight so hard next time."
"You have a point," Charles Barkley unexpectedly agreed with Kenny Smith. Clearly, his primary conflict in the broadcasting world has shifted from Kenny Smith to Jeff Van Gundy, though Mr. Van Gundy wasn't in attendance tonight. He needs time to heal, and he's probably finding a quiet corner to lick his wounds.
Meanwhile, Anthony Randolph had already launched his second free throw. The moment he released the ball, he realized he'd been too soft, his shot a bit short. He was undoubtedly the one who knew his shot best, but Yang Mo reacted faster than him. He suddenly lunged forward, bypassing Glen Davis's defense. By the time Davis tried to squeeze him again, the ball had already hit the front of the court and was flying backwards. Yang Mo leaped high, extended his hand, and lightly tapped... swish!
The basketball fell steadily into the net, and the Knicks beat the Celtics 9:0.
The fans at the TD Garden clearly hadn't expected the Celtics to be so embarrassed. They viewed the Knicks as mere prey, ready for their slaughter. They even assumed the second round would be a chance for their team to recuperate. After defeating the Knicks in four games, they'd be well-rested and on their way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Everyone in Boston, from top to bottom, had taken the Knicks seriously. But reality dealt them a slap in the face, forcing them to lower their gazes and take a good look at their opponent.
Coming to the frontcourt, the Celtics immediately launched a dense half-court offense, constantly running through cross-screens and pick-and-rolls. With this effective and patient running, Ray Allen quickly got into position, Rajon Rondo quickly passed the ball, and then Ray Allen shot...swish!
Ray Allen finally broke the Celtics' scoring drought with a two-point shot. This shot immediately attracted cheers from all the fans in the stadium. They didn't expect that their first cheer would come so late. It was almost three minutes since the start of the game.
Before their cheers died down, the referee declared the Knicks' goal valid.
Yes, the moment Ray Allen's shot went into the basket, Anthony Randolph passed the ball to Yang Mo. Yang Mo ran with the ball, but his teammates were even faster than him. So, before he even crossed half court, he passed the ball to Gallinani who was at the three-point line. Gallinani took the ball and shot... Swish! A three-pointer put the Bostonians' cheers to rest.
Obviously, when the Knicks started running, the Celtics were helpless. Their players were generally no longer young, and the new center was a fat man whose fat belly would tremble when he ran.
Back in the half court, the Knicks players had little to do against the Celtics' dense and systematic running screens, but their defensive enthusiasm still had a certain effect, at least their shooting percentage was not too high.
The game continued at this pace, and Doc Rivers had no intention of calling a timeout. He believed the Knicks didn't have the stamina to sustain such a relentless attack, and that they would need to exert even more energy on defense. He believed that as long as the Celtics played steadily, victory was certain to be theirs. Because...those who rush forward often fall hard, while those who steadily advance never collapse.
Doc Rivers's considerations make sense. However, like Stan Van Gundy, he overlooked one thing. Yang Mo is now more than just a player. Besides passing, he can also attack and rebound. Wherever the team needs him, he can fill in.
The first quarter passed quickly, and the Knicks, leveraging their early advantage and their shooting percentage, unexpectedly took a 32-19 lead. However, the price they paid was four players left exhausted and breathless.
In this regard, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers felt very gratified. Although they were behind in the score, they had an advantage in physical strength. You know, the Knicks only had seven or eight people who could play. They were already at a huge disadvantage in physical strength. Coupled with the fast breaks and entangled defense now, it would be strange if they didn't have physical problems.
Doc Rivers thought his team had already won the next round of control, but unfortunately, Yang Mo didn't think so. After leaving the court, Yang Mo high-fived his teammates one by one and told them, "You did a great job, everyone. You proved your courage with your actions. The second quarter is up to me. I will do my best to maintain this score. You guys take a good rest, and we will fight to the death in the second half!"
Yang Mo's words were a direct revelation to his teammates: he was going to play solo in the second quarter, using his scoring prowess to maintain the lead. In other words, he was going to single-handedly take on five Celtics players.
Therefore, Yang Mo did not . He just told his teammates that the second quarter of the game would be very easy. Everyone just needed to hold the double team defense position on the defensive end. As for the offensive end, he would handle it alone.
Soon... the bell rang and the second quarter began.
