Eleventh Triple-Double, Second in NBA History
After sweeping the Chicago Bulls, the Knicks enjoyed a two-day breather. Post-All-Star, Lian Dao's star power in New York hit stratospheric levels. Disguises couldn't shield him—fans spotted him instantly, clamoring for photos and autographs. Spooked by the frenzy, he hunkered down indoors.
His signature sneaker, the Anta LD-1, rode the wave of his dunk contest heroics to global success. Posters of Lian Dao's epic slams showcased the LD-1's sleek design, driving limited-edition pairs to sky-high prices on the second-hand market. Anta's sales team, drooling over the demand, pushed to relaunch the limited edition, but management held firm. Flooding the market would tank the LD-1's value and dent Anta's rep—fans wouldn't trust future "limited" releases. Killing the golden goose wasn't their style.
Post-All-Star, Anta inked a profit-sharing deal with Lian Dao: 50% of LD-1 sneaker revenue. With sales hitting $600 million and climbing, Lian Dao stood to pocket at least $50 million by year's end—possibly more. In 2010, only Michael Jordan's Air Jordan line, which netted him $100 million on $2.1 billion in 2018, rivaled such figures. For a rookie, Lian Dao's sneaker empire was unprecedented.
On February 18, 2010, the NBA trade deadline sparked a flurry of deals. The Houston Rockets dangled Tracy McGrady, but their steep ask—Danilo Gallinari and a 2011 first-round pick—scared off the Knicks. With Lian Dao anchoring their future, gambling on an injury-prone McGrady felt reckless. The Knicks also hunted for a quality big man, but inflated prices quashed any blockbuster moves.
Other teams, however, went wild:
Milwaukee Bucks traded Francisco Elson and Jodie Meeks to the
Philadelphia 76ers for Primoz Brezec, Royal Ivey, and a 2010 second-round pick.
Memphis Grizzlies sent a 2011 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz for Ronnie Brewer.
Sacramento Kings dealt a conditional 2010 second-round pick to the
Washington Wizards for Dominic McGuire and cash.
Charlotte Bobcats swapped Acie Law, Ronald Murray, and a 2014 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for Tyrus Thomas, and sent a 2016 second-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs for Theo Ratliff.
Chicago Bulls shipped John Salmons, a 2010 first-round pick, and 2011/2012 second-round picks to the Milwaukee Bucks for Joe Alexander, Hakim Warrick, and a 2010 first-round pick, signaling a playoff push.
Boston Celtics acquired Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry from the 76ers for J.R. Giddens, Eddie House, Henry Walker, and a 2014 second-round pick.
Robinson's detour through Philadelphia, where he languished with limited touches, ended with a return to Boston. The 76ers, meanwhile, looked foolish—trading with the Knicks and Celtics netted them little but benchwarmers. Lost their wife and their army, as the saying goes.
On February 20, the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Knicks 119-115 at home. Lian Dao erupted for 37 points, 7 assists, and 8 rebounds, but the Thunder's trio—Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook—combined for 82 points. Durant, contained by Lian Dao, scored 24, while Westbrook added 27. Harden, however, stole the show with 31 points, exploiting Paul Millsap's foul trouble.
Harden, stung by Lian Dao's earlier defensive lesson, had honed his craft. His relentless drives baited Millsap into five fouls, and a sixth—nearly sparking a brawl—sent Millsap to the bench. Lian Dao intervened before fists flew, sparing Harden a bloodied exit from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks, down a key defender, couldn't recover.
On February 22, the Knicks bounced back, thrashing the Milwaukee Bucks at home. The Bucks were Lian Dao's punching bag—he torched them for 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, notching his 11th triple-double of the season. Jrue Holiday smothered Brandon Jennings, who shot 6/23 for 14 points. Lian Dao's triple-double, second only to Oscar Robertson's 24 in 1961-62, cemented his place in NBA history.
Media hyped the feat. In 2010, triple-doubles were rare gems, unlike the stat-stuffed era to come. James averaged 5-6 per season; Lian Dao's 11, with months left, was staggering. His 80% win rate in triple-double games—often against playoff foes like the Heat and Cavaliers—proved their legitimacy. No stat-padding here.
But on February 23, the Knicks crashed against the Boston Celtics' Big Three. Garnett obliterated New York's frontcourt, while Rasheed Wallace toyed with Darko Milicic, showcasing veteran savvy. Trailing big by the third quarter, Mike D'Antoni waved the white flag. The 108-93 loss stung.
Three days later, on February 26, the Knicks rebounded, crushing the tanking Washington Wizards on the road. But on February 27, they stumbled against the Memphis Grizzlies in a gritty defensive slugfest. Zach Randolph, reborn as an "inside gangster," throttled Millsap (3/15 FG, 8 points, 10 rebounds). Marc Gasol's eight fourth-quarter points pried open the game.
Lian Dao faced suffocating defense—Memphis rotated fresh bodies to wear him down. His teammates, ice-cold, couldn't capitalize. Wilson Chandler, gifted open looks by Lian Dao's playmaking, clanked 10 of 16 shots (1/5 3P) for 13 points. Another missed assist, Lian Dao thought, frustrated. The Knicks fell, outmuscled in the paint.