On December 22, 1997, Madison Square Garden Arena began to add Christmas elements.

Just like the major department stores in New York changed their Christmas-themed windows, the Knicks did not have a mascot, but during the intermission, the staff began to throw Christmas gifts to the audience.

At 25:56, after the half, the New York fans at the scene were already in a carnival, and the Dallas Mavericks were blown up!

The jumpers were sometimes unreasonable, and after a more than a day of rest, Alan Houston, who had regained his touch, exploded at halftime.

"It's great to see the lads get back in shape before the Christmas game."

"The last Christmas game was two years ago, when we lost to the Bulls, and this year we are playing at home and hopefully giving the fans a good game!"

On the commentary bench, Walter Fraser didn't talk deeply about the Christmas game that year, after all, the Knicks didn't make it to the Eastern Conference Finals that season.

"The Bulls haven't been in great shape lately, and general manager Kraus may have sent Pippen away before the All-Star break, but I'm sure McDunk won't agree."

"A lot of fans are concerned about it, but it's a good thing for the Knicks!"

"I'm sure the fans in New York would love to see the Bulls weakened!"

Commentator Mike Brin also took advantage of halftime to chat about the gossip that has exploded recently.

The contradiction between Pippen and the team finally reached the point of tearing his face, and the league's most conscientious second-in-command publicly shouted:

"I'm fed up with these disgusting trade rumors, let's put an end to these farces!"

"I don't want to play for the Bulls anymore, I'm not going to wear a Bulls jersey again!"

Taking the initiative to apply for a deal and shouting publicly, Pippen's remarks made the fans happy, and as Christmas approached, everyone followed suit.

Michael Jordan is still trying to pull the team's record, and although he is very dissatisfied with the choice of his teammates, McDunk didn't say anything, and can only send chicken soup for the soul with the head coach.

The two people in the commentary table kept gossiping, and when they saw that the Bulls were unlucky, everyone followed suit.

The huge point difference made almost all of the second half garbage time, and Li You played half a quarter of the game and was replaced.

Everyone on the Mavericks also lost the mind to chase points, and everyone wanted to end the game early and go home for the holidays.

Without the Christmas War mission, the Mavericks get three days off.

Throughout the second half, the New York fans who came to the scene cheered loudly.

In the end, 69-108, the Knicks won the last game before the Christmas game.

"On the 25th, we will have the 41st Christmas battle in team history."

"The Knicks are the team in the league that has been involved in the most Christmas games, and I'm sure the fans are very happy about it."

Walter Fraser continued to preview the Christmas battle that followed, and there was a hint of pride in his tone.

From 1950 ~ 1987, the Knicks participated in the Christmas War for 38 consecutive years, which was unique in the league and in stark contrast to the Hornets who had never participated in the Christmas War.

Commentator Mike Brin added with a smile on the sidelines:

"It's the first time in Lee's career that he's going to have a Christmas game, and I think everyone is looking forward to his performance!"

“.”

The first time is always special, and although Lee Woo doesn't feel much about it, the New York media is starting to laugh again.

In the past, the Knicks' Christmas war record was more than winning and losing, and the most impressive one was the 1984 Christmas game.

In the game against the Nets, New York's Bernard King scored 60 points, but still lost.

Everyone expects the Knicks to beat the Bulls and get the last prize of 1997!

Approaching Christmas, Li You is getting busier and busier, just two days ago I accompanied Milinda to see the big boat, and the cliché love movie moved the always sensible girl to a great extent, and her eyes were red.

“You jump，I jump”

Basically every girl who watches the movie will nag this line.

On the morning of the 23rd, Christen Little, who had just celebrated her birthday two days ago, ignored the cold weather in New York, covered herself tightly, and pulled Li You to shuttle on Fifth Avenue with great interest.

I saw the huge Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, and at night, I plunged into the movie theater and looked at the big ship of anticipation.

I don't know how many people in the movie theater watched the movie repeatedly, and as the memory in his mind became clearer and clearer, Li You really couldn't be moved.

The little attendant was moved, and finally saw that "Jack" was sinking to the bottom, and tears kept falling.

After "jumping" into her arms at night, she experienced a special first time, and the girl also began to look forward to the future:

"If I were shredded meat, I'd jump with it, God, the movie is really exciting! Lee, will we always be together? ”

Looking at the little follower lying on his body, revealing a longing look, Li You stroked the other party's smooth back, and drew a big pie very naturally:

"Of course, we will always be together, and we will have a lovely child in the future!"

“.”

On the morning of the 24th, Christen Ritter said goodbye reluctantly, her family had just moved to New York, and she had to go home to spend the holidays with her parents.

Tossed for a night, Li You originally planned to rest this day, after all, there is still a game tomorrow, and the Christmas battle at home can't be crossed!

As a result, when he saw the angry blonde white rabbit in the afternoon, Li You tilted his head, and knew that he had to practice more tonight.

I come to Li You's side every once in a while, and Ivana, who has a lot of pocket money, doesn't need supplies like a little follower.

The little girl took the initiative to spend money, and like Milinda, she added a lot of clothes to Li You's wardrobe.

He didn't go home on Christmas Eve, and Li You didn't ask about the other party's situation until dinner time, when Ivana, who had changed into loose clothes, looked at Li You who was busy in the kitchen, and said in a low and depressed voice:

"My father's new girlfriend is only 3 years older than me! He also brought her home! ”

“.”

Li You silently calculated, silently said "single-minded man" in his heart, and did not answer, and after a while turned his head and asked:

"Why don't you go to your friend's? It's Christmas Eve tonight. ”

"They all want to see my jokes!"

Seeing the blonde white rabbit whose anger value had risen significantly, Li You only reacted at this time, maybe the "new girlfriend" was still Ivana's superficial friend before:

"Not only to be your friend, but also to be your stepmother!"

On Christmas Day, the NBA league has two games in store for fans.

Bulls vs. Knicks, Rockets vs. Jazz.

Both teams that reached the finals last season were on the stage for the Christmas game.

It's just that unlike the previous lineup, this year's Christmas war has fewer veteran stars.

The situation of the Bulls is well known to fans, the newspapers gossip that Pippen is about to be traded away, and the second leader of the conscience is still recuperating from his injury in the Christmas war.

The Rockets' Charles Barkley returned from injury, but Olajuwon suffered another injury, and the elderly Big Three took turns to rest and not many of them combined.

On the Knicks' side, Ewing was reimbursed for the regular season, and it was rare to usher in the Christmas game, and the gorillas could only recuperate at home and watch the game in front of the TV.

Only the Utah Jazz have a full lineup, and Stockton is in very good shape after returning from injury, and the Utah duo has not diminished, and the record has also rebounded to 16-10.

Before Christmas, the Bulls went 3-0 and Michael Jordan was once again named Player of the Week.

Averaging 30.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks, 2.7 turnovers per game, plus a 47.1% shooting percentage, Mai Dunk is currently in good shape.

It's just that the Bulls didn't give too many interviews before the game, which made the New York media itch.

Everyone wanted to rush to the locker room to interview Pippen, and it would be even better if we could interview the big-mouthed Klaus!

As a result, Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson did not cooperate at all, and their strong refusal immediately made the media angry:

"It is the duty of the players to cooperate with the media to complete the interview!"

“OK！ I've got the final say on the Bulls, and you can interview me! ”

“.”

failed to eat melons, and the New York media didn't give Mai Button a good look.

Everyone wanted to know more about the situation in the Bulls' locker room, but it turned out that Rodman, who has always been flamboyant, was also a lot more honest, which made many people mutter:

"Weak management allowed Michael Jordan to take control of the team!"

After the players from both sides completed their appearance ceremonies, Madison Square Garden was already boiling.

After two years, he met his old rival in the Christmas game, just in time for the opponent's uneven lineup, and the New York fans who were present had long been fooled by the media.

"Pippen's injury has made the Bulls use more of a twin-tower lineup."

"As in the previous regular season, tonight it was still Ron Harper and Michael Jordan in the backcourt, with Dennis Rodman, Tony Cookc, and Luke Longley on the inside."

In the MSG live commentary booth, Mike Brin gave a brief introduction to the Bulls' starters, and then Walter Fraser simply added:

"Veteran Buck Williams continues to start, and tonight's game is going to be a huge test for our rebounding!"

In the final warm-up period, Michael Jordan was in a good mood and greeted everyone on the Knicks with a smile.

The mess in the locker room didn't affect Mai Button's confidence, but after 2 minutes of play, the smile on his face completely disappeared.

"Michael Jordan! 16-foot jumper! Charles protected the rebound and here comes our chance! ”

Commentator Mike Brin subconsciously raised his voice when he saw Li You quickly rushing across the half court after receiving the ball.

Cheers began to ring out again, and along the right sideline, Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, kept accelerating, and Harper chased with all his strength on his side.

The big man of the Bulls could only follow the switchback, and Li You, who advanced to the frontcourt, glanced at his teammates' follow-up, and then slowly slowed down.

The Knicks who followed up cleared one side, everyone ran to the left half, close to the three-point line, and Li You quickly lowered his body's center of gravity, and then quickly went in and out.

Dangling left and right, Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, pretended to accelerate and break through, and while Harper slid to the left back, his right hand did not forget to conceal and pull.

It's just that Li You didn't choose to break through, deceived the opponent's defensive center of gravity, immediately dribbled quickly behind his back, and the moment he switched to his left hand, he returned to the three-point line, and then quickly closed the ball, and threw the ball away!

"Huh!" Convert three points and score again!

“Wow！”

Seeing Harper's pestle in place, the New York fans at the scene shouted happily, and on the commentary seat, Walter Fraser also exclaimed:

"Unbelievable! After the opening, Lee showed amazing projection form! ”

With 10:01 left in the first quarter, the Knicks went on an 8-0 run with two converted three-pointers from Lee Yoo and a layup from Larry Johnson.

Phil Jackson couldn't sit still at this time, walked to the sidelines, made a tactical gesture, and signaled to hit the ball inside.

Soon the Bulls responded, Longley hit a low back on the left side, came to the basket, quickly turned to the baseline, and hit the board to make a basket.

Compared to the interior of the Knicks, the Bulls have an absolute height advantage! Hold it high, Buck Williams really can't help it.

Fortunately, everyone was mentally prepared and quickly sent out the baseline ball, and when Li You and Harper were entangled, everyone had already rushed through the half.

Coming to the top of the arc, Li You, who was holding the ball in his right hand, protected the ball sideways, while Harper gave a physical confrontation on his side, while constantly cutting the ball.

Didn't care about this defensive style, noticed Alan Houston quickly slipped from left to right on the baseline, and with the help of Oakley's cover, he immediately bounced out to the right wing, and Li You immediately sent a horizontal pass.

Perhaps he didn't expect Alan Houston to attack so resolutely, Michael Jordan, who was chasing the defense, was a beat slower and only had time to make a block move, but it didn't make any difference.

"Huh!" Three-point shot hollow into the net!

"Oh!!"

Hitting consecutive three-pointers completely ignited the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, and New York fans who were extremely involved in the game shouted excitedly.

At 2:11, the Knicks continued to extend their lead.

Because of the need to protect the rebounding ball, the work of assisting in the defense of the bag fell to Li You.

When Michael Jordan received the ball at the left elbow of the free throw line, Lee Yo at the top of the arc quickly shrank and Alan Houston died behind him.

In the face of the two-man wrap-and-roll defense, Michael Jordan, who received the ball, did not force the attack, but quickly returned the ball to Harper.

The latter did not choose to shoot after receiving the ball, but quickly released the ball, broke through with the ball in his right hand, and went straight to the basket!

Harper's breakaway basket was eventually interfered with by Buck Williams, and the ball slammed into the frame, and Longley grabbed the rebound and easily added the ball.

"Shhhhh

The Bulls scored with ease, boos erupted in the room, and Phil Jackson sat back on the bench with a smile when he saw his team on the right track.

"Attack! Pay attention to the card slots! ”

Jeff Van Gundy, who was on the sidelines, could only shout a reminder when he saw that the team was starting to drop rebounds again.

The Knicks' offense flew up, and after Li You hit two three-pointers in a row, Harper stuck to it, and all the blocking, fake covers, and the Bulls were all delayed.

Larry Johnson's hand-to-hand pass will also allow Rodman to cover and switch defenses, and cooperate with Harper to wrap up.

But such an aggressive defensive style soon allowed Larry Johnson and Oakley to score easily in a row.

This time it was another big delay for Rodman, and Lee You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, quickly moved to the left side at the top of the arc and simply pulled the defense.

When the two were about to form a circle, Li You suddenly turned around with the ball and quickly returned the ball to the "aunt" at the top of the arc.

Larry Johnson didn't hesitate either, there was no one in front of him after receiving the ball, and he immediately jumped from beyond the three-point line!

"Huh!" Three-pointers hollow into the net.

"Beautiful goal! Larry responds on the outside! ”

Commentator Mike Brin was a little surprised that the Knicks' three-point shot tonight was too fierce.

After throwing a three-pointer, Larry Johnson immediately grinned and exchanged punches with Lee You, who had retreated.

"Big Mom" is not stupid, the Bulls clubbed two big men in the paint area, Longley squatted to defend at the beginning, and Cooke also tried to stay in the penalty area and let Oakley shoot.

This situation was expected before the game, and the best solution was to shoot the opponent on the outside!

In the ensuing game, Michael Jordan Bonbang played the iron and shared the ball as much as possible, and the Bulls desperately rushed to grab the rebound in the frontcourt.

After the Knicks dropped back-to-back rebounds, they were robbed, and Oakley and Larry Johnson stopped taking rebounds, and wrestling-style slots, allowing Lee Yo and Alan Houston to go inside to collect rebounds.

With 4:02 left in the first quarter, Michael Jordan hit a back-to-back jumper in the face of Alan Houston in the left blocking area.

"Bang!"

The rebound popped up, and Larry Johnson went right on the bottom left of the basket and Rodman both fell to the ground.

On the bottom right of the basket, Oakley and Buck-Williams grabbed Cookage and Longley, and Lee grabbed Harper in front of him and collected the rebound in the paint area directly in front of the basket.

After controlling the ball, Li You turned around and immediately accelerated with the ball in his left hand.

On the other side, Alan Houston, who was still in a position with Michael Jordan just now, also rushed at this time.

The four men quickly crossed the halfway line, and Michael Jordan could only follow when he saw Alan Houston stop on the right flank.

And Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, did not slow down, against Harper's defense, came to the paint area, and immediately rushed up in three steps!

Harper didn't lose his defensive position, followed the jump, the two faced off in the air, Li You tilted his body, grabbed the ball with one hand with his left hand, tried to dodge the block, and just threw the ball to the basket before he was about to land!

"Squeak!"

"Bang!"

The whistle blows and the ball goes in, and after the basketball hits the high board, it falls into the basket with precision.

Li You, who lost the center of gravity of his body, almost threw himself into the street, turned his head and saw the basketball in the frame, so he waved his fist in celebration with an expressionless face.

The teammates who had just rushed past the half-court also stepped forward to pat Li You at this time, and the cheers resounded in the stadium again.

When Li You stood on the free throw line, the New York fans at the scene couldn't hold back anymore and shouted happily:

“MVP！ MVP！ MVP！ ”

Lee hit the penalty steadily, and Madison Square Garden boiled again.

At 12:21, Li You's 2+1 opened up the difference again.

Although the speed-up Knicks can also play iron, they still withstood the Bulls' rush for rebounds.

Towards the end of the first quarter, Michael Jordan hit the first open goal of the game.

And the Knicks have blossomed more at this time, and Starks, who has just been replaced, also scored.

At 16:28, the first quarter ended, and the Knicks had taken a 12-point lead.

"Lee's performance was so good, 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, no turnovers, he completely activated the team's offense."

Commentator Mike Brin took a look at the technical statistics, and immediately blew it, leading by a big score, which also made Walter Fraser inflate and say:

"The Bulls don't have a chance, and with a double-digit lead, the Knicks haven't lost this season!"

4-of-7, 2-of-4 from beyond the three-point line, and 1-of-1 from the free throw line, Li You on the bench was quite satisfied with his performance, and his explosiveness improved, making it easier for him to face Harper.

"I've long said that I should play like this, fall into the position and attack, and always be controlled by the Bulls."

"Without Pippen, the number of transitions is reduced, and we win tonight!"

Larry Johnson wiped his sweat, didn't have to chase the dunk, and simply wrestled with Rodman, "Big Mom" felt that this job was not difficult, after all, he could put the opponent's mid-range shot.

Larry Johnson's words also made Alan Houston nod in agreement.

In the first quarter, Mai dunked 1-of-6 and scored only 2 points, and if it wasn't for the opponent grabbing 5 frontcourt rebounds, he felt that the Bulls would have lost more:

"Without Pippen, the Bulls are counting on Cookic on the outside, and that's a good thing for us."

Hearing his teammates discussing the game, Li You didn't speak, but his face also showed a relaxed look.

The league's most conscientious second leader is still very important to the Bulls, and they can help on both ends of the offensive and defensive ends to ease the burden of dunking.

It's just that infighting is also part of the game, and tonight's Christmas game, the Knicks are going to hit hard!

Jeff Van Gundy was afraid of being robbed by the other party, and Ben Wallace and Chris Dudley were placed in the early part of the second quarter, and the two had no other task after they came on the court, which was to protect the rebounds.

Ben Wallace was thrilled to be on the stage in the Christmas game, and after he got on the court, he grabbed it all the way.

The Bulls' bench interior Joe Klein didn't pay attention to the undrafted pick, and after three minutes of play, he dropped two backcourt rebounds

Phil Jackson frowned, considering the huge point difference, and took Longley early.

Longley was in very good shape tonight, scoring six points on 2-of-3 shooting in the first quarter, and he didn't show up early.

It's just that the Knicks' bench lineup is also dominated by jump shots, and Starks will always play brightly when he encounters a tailwind.

In the time when Michael Jordan came on early, Starks also scored consecutive goals, and the two sides exchanged pounds for a few minutes, which made the New York fans at the scene scream.

Michael Jordan blocked on the right side, singled Starks with his back, turned around in the direction of the baseline, and made a step-back jumper.

Turning back, on the right wing, Starks took advantage of Chris Dudley's cover, got away from Kerr's pursuit, and responded from beyond the three-point line.

For a while, the two sides played lively, and the half-quarter game continued to score points, and when the Knicks' main lineup returned, the firepower was unabated.

The Bulls rushed to grab the rebound, and the Knicks continued to play the board in an effort to get Lee Yo and Alan Houston to get the ball forward.

Both sides struggled to pull each other into their own rhythm of the game, and in the end, the Bulls were forced to follow a fierce run, and at 28:28 in the first quarter, the Knicks continued to play efficient offense.

At 44:56, the 12-point difference made the Madison Square Garden arena louder and louder.

Michael Jordan, who suddenly found his touch in the second quarter, was iron again in the second half, and without Pippen, the Knicks could rest assured that they could be bold and bold.

The sudden increase in the intensity of the game immediately made the Bulls make consecutive mistakes, and several inside passes and cooperation finally ended in dropping the ball.

Encountering the bag again, Michael Jordan gave the ball to the replacement Kerr, who received the ball at the top of the arc and hit the iron!

The long rebound was picked up by Lee You, and in order to disrupt the transition offense, Kerr was forced to make a tactical foul.

"Shhhhh

The fans booed and re-attacked, Lee Woo advanced to the left, Oakley raised to cover, and the old guy managed to delay the chasing Kerr.

Cooke was a step slower to help defend, but as a result, Li You got rid of the defense with the ball in his left hand, and made a pull-up jump shot outside the three-point line!

"Huh!" Three-point shot hollow into the net!

Phil Jackson on the sidelines looked a little ugly, +2 didn't withstand +3

Seeing Li You raise his left arm, raise three fingers and quickly retreat, the cheers became louder and louder, and Madison Square Garden entered a state of rage.

With 2:12 left in the third quarter, Alan Houston received the ball on the right wing outside the three-point line, dummeled and then broke through, and finally hit a pullup jump shot against Michael Jordan in the blocking zone.

Such a goal made the New York fans at the scene shout wildly, and the cry of "Fakejodan" sounded again.

stacked several layers of anger buffs, Mai dunk stopped passing the ball again, and even threw free throws, and cut another 10 points.

At 21:26 in the single quarter, at the end of the third quarter, 65:82, the Knicks had a 17-point lead.

In the last quarter of the game, Michael Jordan played with his face for 6 minutes, and seeing that the score difference was not narrowing, Phil Jackson simply changed to the atmosphere group.

Michael Jordan only had three minutes of rest in the second quarter, and the coaching staff was also worried about an injury to the only thigh.

"The Knicks tonight reminded me of the Knicks in the 70s, when we managed to defeat the defending champions without dominating the interior!"

Although the game was not over yet, Walter Fraser in the commentary box was already celebrating the victory.

Commentator Mike Brin noticed that Li You was still on the field, and also said with a smile:

"Lee was so good tonight, and whenever the Bulls were on the rise, he always responded from beyond the three-point line!"

"Oh! Tonight we are witnessing the birth of a new record! ”

Ben Wallace, who had just appeared on the court, made it easy for Lee to grab the ball, and the New York fans at the scene also cheered.

Although it was not a goal, everyone knows that Lee You has once again set a new record!

"31 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal and 2 turnovers, tonight we witnessed a triple-double in the Christmas game!"

"Congratulations to Lee, 19 years and 359 days, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to get a triple-double!"

No one cared about the details, and the narrator Mike Brin introduced it with a smile, and the two people in the commentary seat were already in high spirits.

Playing 37 minutes, 11-of-23, 5-of-11 from beyond the three-point line, and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line, Lee Woo increased his protrusion and was still efficient.

“MVP！ MVP！ MVP！ ”

When Lee Woo was substituted, the MVP shouts rang out again at Madison Square Garden.

On the Bulls bench, Michael Jordan was in a bad mood, chewing gum and watching Li You and the Knicks bump fists without saying a word.

The boss is angry again, this season Mai Buckle has implemented a high-pressure strategy on the training ground, and the atmosphere team does not dare to speak out, only hoping that it will not be angry during training

At the end of the game, the score was fixed at 90:104, winning the Christmas battle, and the scene once again resounded with huge cheers!

Li You, who had already changed into training clothes, hugged everyone on the Bulls with a smile, and the relationship between the two teams was actually not bad, and they also had a good time off the court.

Michael Jordan pulled his face and didn't speak, but after Li You hugged him, he suddenly whispered and teased:

"Black Jesus? Merry Christmas! ”

“.”

The three-double record of the Christmas War made the New York media climax collectively, and took this opportunity to frantically canvass for Li You.

With the All-Star Game approaching, the Knicks, as the host, naturally hope that someone can win the vote king, and this is also a frequently mentioned issue in the post-game press conference:

"It's a great honor to be an All-Star, and I just want to thank every fan for their vote."

Li You, who was in a good mood, automatically ignored the brainless blow and simply gave his own response.

"Li, what did you talk about after the game, you seem to have a good time, can you reveal it?"

Li You suddenly thought of the mai buckle who was laughed at angrily, straightened the microphone, and immediately said with a smile:

"Maikou sent Christmas wishes, thanks to his encouragement, the future does belong to young people!"

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(End of chapter)