LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 397 We Win (Three in One)
The score difference is only 4 points, the Wizards' home court.
Judging from the lineup and home and away games, the Wizards have the advantage.
But judging from the lineups of both sides at this time, it is more beneficial to the SuperSonics.
On the Wizards' side, Dayao and Artest are both off the court, and they lack strong support on the defensive end. Only Harrington can give Jordan some help on the offensive end.
Although the SuperSonics are missing Sakuragi, a defensive hero, their outside firepower is fully activated, and Payton's presence can still provide support to Lin Dong on both ends of the offense and defense. At the same time, Iguodala is on the outside. , Brent both have hot hands and seem to have more offensive points than the Wizards.
"Lock down their outside perimeter! Keep an eye on your own man! Don't worry about anything else, let those two guys duel!" Doug Collins shouted crazily on the sidelines.
This is the only way for the Wizards to solve the current gap in the lineup, man-to-man, lock down others, and leave the victory or defeat to Jordan!
- Michael! Michael! Michael!
The whole audience was cheering for Jordan.
Jordan and Lin Dong are already working hard.
After resting for a whole season and recuperating for a whole season, Jordan broke out with key ball ability that would never lose to his peak era.
The physical strength and explosive power can keep up. The only difference from the peak era is that there are fewer strange moves, fewer provocations, and fewer shows.
Those who can directly dunk will never dunk; those who can directly dunk will never waste energy on pulling the bar.
Just to save energy?
This may be the view of everyone present, or even almost everyone in the world, but only people like Lin Dong who have reached the same level understand that this is not just about saving physical energy.
Those dunks, those levers, and those shows that appear in the picture of Jordan at his peak are by no means simply showy and unlimited physical strength.
It was because at that time Jordan still needed to stay excited during the game. That was State 2, just like the Super Saiyan in Dragon Ball. After transformation, he would always be in a state of excitement.
Only by staying excited can state 2 be maintained.
But now it is state 3.
He no longer needs any extra excitement to provide a state. Even when entering state 3, what is fed back to his emotions is the ultimate tranquility and concentration.
This is the true path to simplicity and returning to nature. Perfect control is not only reflected in the 'ball', but also in physical strength, emotions and everything else.
call!
After lowering his body, the wind-like figure rushed out like a hurricane, making Lin Dong, who also turned on State 3, always feel a little out of reach.
Can't block it, can't prevent it!
Because when each other is in the ultimate state 3, the competition to win or lose will return to the original starting point, which will depend on each other's physical fitness and each other's most basic speed.
At the same time, the iron law of offense and defense, and the fact that the offensive side always has the initiative remains unchanged.
Don't imagine that you can predict the opponent's movements. They are all foxes of thousands of years. What are you doing?
Didn’t you know that the other party didn’t predict your prediction? If you really want to predict correctly once, it is just bad luck. You happened to predict the opponent's prediction of yours, and the opponent who was blocked will immediately choose to readjust, allowing you to predict the opponent's prediction. Predict again until your 'prediction' is wrong.
The initiative is always firmly in the hands of the attacker, who is always one step ahead of you.
How to prevent it?
Iguodala, who was nearby, saw Jordan rushing towards him and subconsciously stepped forward to attack, but before he could get into position, Jordan had already slipped through the gap between him and Lin Dong, almost blocking Lin Dong's pursuit. Not to mention the route, Larry Hughes was left out on the outside.
McMillan was so anxious that he cursed on the sidelines.
Fortunately, Jordan didn't pass the ball. If Jordan had passed it, Larry Hughes would have made the shot, which would have been a heavy blow to the SuperSonics.
Because that not only means that the Wizards' perimeter starts to fire, but it also means that Jordan's score will be effortless. If Jordan cannot be effectively consumed, what else can be relied on to limit this basketball that has returned to its peak at the last moment? God?
Getting rid of Iguodala, the two of them penetrated diagonally into the paint. Lin Dong could only barely get stuck on the right back side of Jordan at this time, followed closely by Jordan's man-ball integration, grabbing the ball and forcing Lin Dong's defensive position , jumping high towards the basket.
Lin Dong jumped up to block the shot, but with Jordan already occupying the defensive position, such a block was obviously meaningless.
A hand-to-hand layup with his left hand switching to his right hand, his extra-long arm grabbing the ball with one hand and passing it forward, coupled with the cover of his body, left Lin Dong with no room to touch the ball at all.
The basketball easily hits the basket.
98:102, the score difference returned to 4 points again.
With the SuperSonics having the ball, the Wizards also tried a more extreme full-court marking, allowing Tyronn Lue to rush directly to the frontcourt to stalk Lin Dong without the ball.
He tried to use the same tactics Sakuragi used against Yao Ming to increase Lin Dong's consumption and make the Sonics' ace exhausted first, but the result was that Jordan almost cursed.
The small Tyronn Lue does have natural advantages in speed and agility, but this advantage is okay against Sakuragi, but against Lin Dong?
invalid!
Lin Dong deliberately pulled Tyronn Lue's entangled defense to the right center line, and when Payton controlled the ball past half-court, he followed up with a fake move to pretend to retreat, shifting Tyronn Lue's center of gravity, and then a A deft turn that was unmatched by Tyronn Lue.
Not only did he win with his footsteps, he went directly behind Tyronn Lue, and he also used his height and wingspan to pull and hinder Tyronn Lue's immediate turning movement.
Want to turn around and chase? I won’t even let you chase me!
At the same time, Payton's pass arrived, and Lin Dong held the ball and went straight to the inside. Jordan had already hit him two or three steps outside the three-point line, but this time Lin Dong did not choose to play in singles, but instead Throw the ball directly to the left baseline and run towards the basket at the same time.
At this time, Brent, who was supposed to be defending Tyronn Lue, had already rushed to the empty three-pointer on the left baseline. Lin Dong's pass just arrived, and Brent, who was holding the ball, was not within four or five steps of him. Half a figure.
Brent made a slight adjustment and shot a 3-pointer steadily. Lin Dong and Jordan, who had already rushed to the basket, did not have a chance to compete for the rebound. The basketball went smoothly into the net.
98:105!
Instead, the score difference widened, with a gap of 7 points!
"Watch your man! Leave Lin Dong alone! That's mine!" Jordan roared angrily at Tyronn Lue.
Tyronn Lue's face was full of grievances.
MD, it was obviously Collins who asked me to consume Lin Dong just now.
Collins on the sidelines pretended to be invisible for once, and the American people also understood what Sang and Huai said, but... Collins was also awe-inspiring.
Sure enough, the balance cannot be broken.
The fight between the two was not something that others could intervene in, trying to break the balance and intensify Lin Dong's consumption. The only result was that Lin Dong found a breakthrough, which in turn saved his energy.
McMillan and Payton actually saw this point more clearly than themselves. Their defense was stronger than Payton's, and they had no intention of flanking Jordan just now... It seemed that they could only let those two people decide the outcome.
Wizards ball possession.
Lin Dong's spirit was extremely focused. In State 3, he felt at peace and at the same time, he was brewing an ultimate explosion in the calmness.
At this time, he had given up the idea of blocking Jordan.
In state 3, such a guy cannot be blocked or defended. The focus of defense must be adjusted, abandon defense, and change from ball defense to man defense!
Fighting, fighting for consumption, if you can't tell the difference in technique, then you can judge the difference in physical strength.
First of all, you must give the opponent a sense of psychological pressure. You cannot let the opponent really feel that it is easy to score a goal. Physical exertion must also be accompanied by mental exhaustion. Only such superimposed consumption can bring down the opponent faster, otherwise If you really want people to play smoothly, a player of this level can definitely fill the fourth quarter.
And when a defensive player no longer aims to prevent the ball, but instead focuses on preventing people, targeted physical confrontation will be too uncomfortable for the attacker.
Blocking, dragging, pulling, squeezing, using all means to make your way to the basket difficult.
Jordan obviously could see Lin Dong's purpose. He believed that the opponent's 19-year-old body was stronger than his anyway in terms of physical strength, but not necessarily in terms of endurance.
At this time, Lin Dong chose the easiest way to block the shot and deliberately left it for him. He had no choice but to choose the more energy-consuming lever.
The goal was wonderful enough, and there were thunderous applause and cheers, but only Jordan knew that this was not the result he wanted.
So the defensive end who turned around followed suit, but to be honest, it was difficult...
The ultra-low breakthrough that cannot be defended depends on speed. Although the opponent cannot prevent it, it can barely hang it. This allows the defender to complete the consumption and exchange of physical strength by dragging it, as well as giving the attacker a sense of oppression.
However, Lin Dong's failure to slow down and change direction made Jordan feel that it was difficult for him to exert pressure on the defensive end, because it was directly aimed at completely throwing off your defense, and there was no chance for you to force him.
The only limitation to this move is the wear and tear on the attacker's knees, which will cost the player's career, but if they don't care... there's nothing you can do.
All Jordan can do is try to keep up with Lin Dong's third step and try his best to put some pressure on Lin Dong on the defensive end, but this pressure is small compared to what Lin Dong puts on him on defense. A lot.
The confrontation between the two lasted from the beginning of the fourth quarter to almost the end. Jordan only passed two passes to his teammates, which were large gaps that appeared when his teammates were running without the ball. Harrington made two of his two shots and chased points from the outside. It's a little faster.
Lin Dong only passed two passes to his teammates. One was a 3-point pass to Brent when Tyronn Lue was out of position, and the other was a pass to Iguodala who ran out of space without the ball on the outside.
Yes, but it was a pity that he stepped on the line and only scored 2 points. On the contrary, the Sonics lost 1 point due to the firepower of their teammates on the outside in the fourth quarter.
In addition, it is almost always a show by Lin Dong and Jordan. You score one, and I return another. If you can't guard me, I can't guard you.
The cheers in the arena rose one after another, rising with the home team's goal and falling with the Sonics' counterattack.
The score difference between the two sides also kept going back and forth between 3-5 points.
Lin Dong was focused on the one-on-one duel with Jordan and no longer cared about teasing the atmosphere and rhythm of the audience in the arena.
Miraculously, the physical problem that I thought was a problem did not appear at this time.
Lin Dong could clearly feel that his physical strength was on the verge of reaching its limit. In a normal state, it would be impossible for him to explode at this time.
It is state 3 that allows one to surpass the limit of physical strength.
It was very tiring, and I even felt my legs were shaking slightly when I stopped, but the existence of state 3 allowed me to always use my physical strength at the moment when needed to support my body to complete the action.
Lin Dong knows that Jordan on the opposite side should be in the same state as himself, and may even be a little more difficult than himself. After all, the same offensive and defensive consumption is the same, but Jordan faces greater defensive pressure than himself.
However, that extra consumption is no longer enough to be the straw that breaks the opponent's back at such a time.
Perhaps both of them need more recovery time after the game, but at least in this game, it is no longer possible to make the other party fall early.
Jordan made a chasing 2-point fast break hit, 116:119, the point difference was only 3 points!
There are 48 seconds left on the clock, exactly two complete offensive rounds, and the SuperSonics have the ball.
Frankly speaking, after two complete offensive rounds, with a 3-point lead and the ball still in their own hands, the Sonics could make a fuss and should call a timeout at this time.
But McMillan clenched his fists and refused to scream.
Don't the Wizards also have a timeout? Let the Wizards do the calling. If the Wizards don't call, then the advantage is mine. Why should I call?
McMillan looked towards the Wizards bench and happened to see Doug Collins looking at him. Both coaches were slightly startled, and then McMillan smiled at him.
Doug Collins was helpless. He was just waiting for the Sonics to call a timeout, and then after the Sonics' timeout ended, he called another one to give Jordan a few more minutes of final rest and recovery time. After all, he felt that Jordan was breathing heavily. It's already very heavy.
But judging from the expression on McMillan's face, he most likely wouldn't give it a chance. At this time, he could only call a long timeout before the serve came out.
With a 120-second long timeout, plus the time on and off the court, the referee's slight delay, etc., a 3-minute break counts as 3 minutes!
————Buzz buzz buzz!
Although it was a timeout, there were almost no fans sitting in the MCI Center at this time. Instead, they all chose to stand up and watch. Some were cheering, some singing, some shouting slogans, and more buzzing. The buzzing buzz of discussion made the entire center of the arena lively and joyful at this time.
What happened to the 3-point difference?
We have Jordan! The Jordan who never disappoints at critical moments!
Wizards fans have absolute confidence.
"The baseline ball goes directly to Lin Dong! Payton, pick and roll, don't catch the ball, be careful of the Wizards' foul tactics!"
"As long as the ball is released, the Wizards will most likely choose to defend for 24 seconds. Don't waste time with them. Go to fast break while ensuring the hit rate! Attack! Attack! Attack again! Play fast with them. We have our own style. , use our own rhythm, instead of wasting away in a positional battle with the Wizards! We don’t think about taking the last shot in 24 seconds, that is the Wizards’ rhythm, which will bring us the possibility of mistakes!"
"48 seconds is enough for the Wizards to grab two rounds of attack time, so if you want to delay the time, leave it to the last attack round!"
"In addition, Yao Ming should also play. In the last two rounds, they will strengthen the inside to fight for rebounds. We must improve our success rate!"
"Sakuragi, protect the rebound. Yao on the offensive end can definitely be under the basket, but after that, don't let him easily go to the opposite basket. Are you okay?"
"Okay!" Sakuragi Hanamichi, who had rested for most of the quarter, had also recovered somewhat. Listening to this confident voice, there should be no problem in insisting on the last two rounds.
McMillan held the tactical board and explained loudly that only Lin Dong was the most stable free throw shooter for the SuperSonics, followed by Iguodala. Even Payton only made 78% of his free throws in order to seize time. If so, the possibility of the Wizards using foul tactics cannot be ruled out.
"Wait until we get back to the defensive round, continue man-to-man and don't mess around. We are ahead in points, so it doesn't matter if Michael plays two in isolation! Don't foul, don't let up 3 points!"
"If after two rounds, there is still time for the final attack, give the ball to Lin Dong and kill time..."
Not only the next ball, but also all subsequent tactical changes, McMillan has almost already talked about it.
And finally...
McMillan stretched out his hand, the team's customary overlapping action. Normally, Payton, the team leader, should reach out first at this time, but Payton looked at Lin Dong with a smile, and then stretched out his hand to grab Lin Dong. First he grabbed his hand and put it on McMillan's hand, and then he covered it with his own hand.
Everyone laughed, understanding one after another.
This is a handover, a handover of team leadership...
Frankly speaking, although the team's boss and spiritual leader has always been Payton, to be honest, whether it is Payton himself, McMillan, or even the entire team, it is very clear that Lin Dong is the one who can really decide everything in the SuperSonics today. core.
At this time, there is no need for any more words at all. I can feel all the palms pressing on my hands, feel the heavy responsibility, and at the same time, I can also feel the support and trust from the whole team.
Payton gave a look, and Lin Dong was not pretentious and said the words that Payton usually said: "The SuperSonics will win! Come on!"
"HOHOHO! The Supersonics will win! Come on!"
beep!
As the referee's whistle sounded, the arena began to boil again.
As expected by McMillan, the Wizards replaced Yao Ming and replaced the backup center to strengthen the defense at the basket, while the SuperSonics replaced Desmond with Hanamichi Sakuragi to strengthen the defense. Yao Ming's blockade.
Brent walked to the baseline to serve, and Jordan immediately wrapped around Lin Dong.
You can hear Jordan still breathing heavily even after a break, but his ultimate off-ball defense is not weaker than Payton's.
He clung to Lin Dong, as if there were eyes on his back, always blocking the passing route between Lin Dong and Brent.
"Hi, Michael!" Lin Dong suddenly smiled at Jordan who was facing him: "Are you tired? I will beat you, just today!"
"Stop talking big words, I'll see you later..."
Before he finished speaking, Lin Dong suddenly turned his back and turned his body sideways while Jordan was speaking, blocking Jordan's sideways position.
And Brent's ground pass also arrived in time.
The moment the ball was in his hand, Lin Dong had already charged up and pushed forward like a gust of wind. In just four seconds, he rushed across the court and went straight to the basket!
Jordan, who was pursuing the defense, was surprised. Not only Jordan, but the entire Wizards team were also surprised at this time.
Obviously, including Jordan and Doug Collins, they did not expect that the Sonics would choose fast breaks when they had the lead and the ball in the last two offensive rounds!
At this time, he was caught off guard. Jordan's pursuit was a little slower by half a beat. He thought that Lin Dong would definitely stop and stabilize the rhythm, and the surrounding Wizards players had no time to attack. They could have given up their defense. The target goes to double attack, because Yao Ming is guarding the basket, the Wizards can bet on the Sonics' inaccurate perimeter.
But the problem is, no one thought that Lin Dong would choose a fast break. By the time he reacted, Lin Dong had already formed a 2-on-1 double-team situation with Sakuragi and Yao Ming under the basket.
Yao Ming raised his hands and pushed forward. Lin Dong changed hands and pulled the ball in!
116:121!
The score difference came to 5 points again, with 42 seconds left.
Wizards ball possession.
The 5-point difference obviously made the scene a little worried, and what followed was Jordan's performance time, which was exactly the same as Lin Dong's off-the-ball escape just now.
Lin Dongsheng followed up, and Payton chose a double attack, only to see Jordan suddenly join the ball outside the 3-point line.
At this time, Tyronn Lue was already wide open on the right side. Payton realized something was wrong and rushed back to defend Tyronn Lue, but what he saw in the next second was Jordan suddenly pulling back from outside the three-point line. .
The large backward angle gives Lin Dong no room to block shots.
Uh-huh!
Come in too!
At 119:121, the numbers on the electronic scoreboard jumped, causing a burst of wild cheers to erupt in the arena. It was only 2 points away!
There are 34 seconds left on the clock.
The Wizards' defensive strategy changed. Jordan and Harrington double-teamed Lin Dong without the ball. They pulled Lin Dong hard and the ball couldn't be released for a while.
Seeing that the five-second violation was about to occur, McMillan quickly called a short timeout.
After a slight adjustment, Brent continued to play the baseline ball, and the Wizards continued to double-team Lin Dong without the ball. This time, Payton got rid of Tyronn Lue.
With the ball in Payton's hands, the pace will be a little slower.
The SuperSonics advanced throughout the court, and with Harrington returning to defense, it was only then that Lin Dong finally got rid of Jordan's entanglement and caught the ball.
At this time, there are only 25 seconds left.
Lin Dong didn't panic this time. If he played all 24 seconds of this offensive round and scored, the Wizards would have only 10 seconds of offensive time and a 4-point lead. If Sakuragi pestered Yao Ming to prevent him, Returning to the court almost sealed the victory.
But at this time, it can be seen that the Wizards are not panicked and have no intention of fouling to buy time. Or do they want to defend against one?
Lin Dong steadied his breathing. He had reached this point and physical strength was no longer a problem.
At this time, he was steadily controlling the ball at the three-point line, silently counting down the 24 seconds of attack time in his mind.
6, 5…
Success rate, this ball must hit!
Lin Dong suddenly turned his head and looked in the direction of Payton. Payton understood and rushed towards Lin Dong immediately.
Jordan's brows raised slightly, cover? Pick and roll?
But it was at this moment that Jordan's heart was touched.
Bend your knees, lift up, stand up!
Lin Dong suddenly stood up.
Jordan's pupils shrank suddenly. In State 3, he was highly focused and his body jumped almost instinctively.
But there is a huge difference in explosive power between a pre-charged jump and an instinctive jump. What's more, how can a 40-year-old gangster really compare with the 19-year-old Lin Dong in terms of explosive power?
The two of them took off almost at the same time, but Lin Dong's shot height was obviously at least half an arm higher than Jordan's.
Uh-huh!
Even though Jordan tried his best, he could only watch the ball fly over his head.
Got it!
Before landing, Lin Dong's fists were already clenched.
Hollow into the net, 3 points later!
The din of the whole place paused at this moment.
Frankly speaking, Lin Dong's 3-pointer has already made Wizards fans a little desperate.
After the whole game, including this, he actually made 12 3-pointers, and his 3-point shooting rate was as high as 70%. Both the number of shots and the shooting rate have set NBA historical records, and it even makes people feel Just seeing him jump up from the 3-point line is already a goal.
As a Jordan fan, I have long been accustomed to watching Jordan's performance at the last moment, and Jordan showed enough today.
However, no matter how well Jordan performed, the first-year rookie was able to respond immediately!
This gives them a feeling, just like Seattle fans say: You have gods, and so do we! ! !
119:124, but there are only 11 seconds left!
"HOHO! Win!"
"Lin! Lin! Lin!"
SuperSonics lead by 5 points!
Everyone on the bench jumped crazily with excitement, but the MCI Center Arena fell into a state of tension and sluggishness.
11 seconds, 5 points behind, this... is there still a chance?
beep!
The Wizards immediately called their final short pause.
This pause is quite spiritual. It is not only the final tactical arrangement, but more importantly, it is also related to the serve.
When the last offensive round is less than 24 seconds, after the timeout, the team with the ball can directly go to the midline to serve the sideline ball instead of starting from the baseline ball, which can give the Wizards a chance to rush past with the ball. Come half time.
At 11 seconds, the Wizards obviously did not intend to give up.
"They will give this ball to Jordan. The last shot must be Jordan's. If you prevent this, you will win the game!" McMillan shouted to everyone the answer that the world knows: "Pinch him! Don't give them anything." Opportunity! Also, when defending 3-pointers, you must be careful not to foul! Don’t foul! Don’t foul!”
Say important things three times, and the situation is great, but until the last second of the game, you never know what will happen, especially when there is Jordan on the opposite side.
And on the Wizards' bench...
"Give the ball to Michael!" This is obviously the Wizards' only option.
But Jordan's face was unusually calm. He shouted: "Al! Play on the right side without the ball and get closer to Tyron!"
Is the last shot always God's?
Yes, that's right! However, this is not the last shot.
With a difference of 5 points, the Wizards need 2 3-pointers to overtake, and 1 3-pointer and 1 2-pointer to tie.
The last shot must be yours, but this shot... God cannot remain unchanged, God also needs to evolve!
"If Lin Dong fights me alone, I will solve everything!"
"But if I catch the ball and Payton chooses to double-team me with Lin Dong, Tyronn Lue will be open at that time, and the SuperSonics will rotate defense, and the first-year Andre who is guarding you will cover it. Tyronn Lue, so... I will pass the ball to you, score this damn 3-pointer for me, and I will have a way to grab the last attack. By then, you will be the hero who saves the team!"
Life or death, at this moment, he could actually get such an opportunity.
Harrington yelled: "Don't worry, Boss! Even if I lose my woman, I won't miss this shot!"
beep!
The two sides took the field again, and the cheers of the arena also rang through the roof at this time.
- Michael! Michael! Michael!
Lin Dong's exhaustive entanglement obviously did not bring an absolute blockade to Jordan. With each other's strength, it is impossible to lock down the defense alone.
Jordan used his body strength to pull Lin Dong away from him, and got rid of it before the 5-second violation occurred.
Snapped!
The ball came to Jordan's hands, and the closest one on the left was Payton, who was guarding Tyronn Lue.
At this time, Payton's eyes were shining brightly. The thought of killing the gods had been bothering him for eight years, but success was right in front of him.
Although 11 seconds seems to be only enough time for the Wizards to complete an offense, the opponent is Jordan after all, and he cannot be given any room to perform, and he cannot pass the ball!
Pincer attack!
Payton shook off Tyronn Lue without hesitation and attacked Jordan from a double flank.
As long as you prevent this ball, you will win!
Two guys with the best defensive skills in the Sonics entangled Jordan, and even the God of Basketball couldn't do anything about it.
And abandoning Tyronn Lue was obviously not a mistake, but intentional. It was a trap, a trap for SuperSonics rotation defense!
At the same time that Payton was flanking, Iguodala from further away had quietly moved towards Tyronn Lue to fill in the position.
But the next second...
Jordan jumped high and made a direct pass.
God actually passed the ball?
In this era, at the last moment of the game, the star player is under tremendous pressure when he chooses to pass the ball.
If your teammates really score, that's redemption, but if they don't, then you're the one who takes the blame!
Your reputation will plummet and you will lose everything!
This is why McMillan, Payton and others are certain that Jordan will not pass the ball.
But he just passed it on.
McMillan on the sidelines opened his mouth wide. He knew that Jordan had already given up everything for this seventh championship, but he did not expect that he would give so thoroughly.
The basketball passed over the heads of the surprised Lin Dong and Payton, also passed over Tyronn Lue and Iguodala, and went straight to the hands of Harrington on the left baseline.
Everyone on the SuperSonics side was surprised. It was no problem to rotate to cover for Tyronn Lue, but Sakuragi and Yao Ming were entangled in the basket. There was neither room to cover the next step nor the physical strength to complete a large-scale transfer in time. .
Seat available!
Harrington caught the ball and stood up without hesitation.
Uh-huh!
In the fourth quarter, when the will and honor of both sides were at stake, Harrington's eyes also shone like a volcano erupting.
Go in, go in! He was betting on the future of his life. If the goal was not scored, both he and Jordan would be criticized!
Not only him, but the other four Wizards teammates on the field, and even all the fans in the MCI Center, were shouting that voice crazily in their hearts.
Come in! Come in! Go in!
Uh-huh!
The basketball went hollow into the net and scored a 3-pointer!
Wow!
"Farke! Roar!" Harrington roared excitedly. All the balls he had thrown in his life combined were not as stressful as this one!
"Don't get excited, defend!" Jordan roared in the same way.
On the last ball, in the last 6 seconds, he had a plan... This was a plan that only a god could think of, and it was also the only loophole in the Sonics that a god could catch!
Only by catching that loophole can the Wizards win!
——Wizard! Wizard! Wizard!
——Defense! Defend! Defend!
The fans at the MCI Center all jumped up. The ball just now was so crucial, it was a life saver. Now, although there are only 6 seconds left and the ball is in the opponent's hands, it is still only 2 points away. It is not all lost. hope.
122:124!
The victory was already established, but no one expected that such a sudden change would happen.
The ball is in Seattle's hands, but it seems...
McMillan swallowed nervously and was a little speechless.
Brent has already stood at the baseline to serve.
Everyone understands that they are 2 points away and in the last 6 seconds, if they want to win, they have to rely on the SuperSonics to make mistakes, but how can they make them make mistakes? Of course, the faster you go, the easier it is to make mistakes, as you don’t give them time to think!
For the first time, the referee on the sidelines did not delay. He quickly threw the ball directly to Brent and blew the whistle for him to serve.
Brent was extremely nervous when he saw the Wizards' formation change. Jordan and Harrington rushed up at the same time to seal Lin Dong.
Two without the ball and one with one, preventing Lin Dong from catching the ball!
Status 3!
Lin Dong's reaction and speed were all adjusted to the peak at this time, and he could face Jordan and Harrington who were also in peak state 3.
Two flexible guys blocked him in front of him and pulled him hard. They were as strong as Lin Dong in state 3, but he couldn't get out of the space to catch the ball.
Lin Dong's heart suddenly sank. Is this the Wizards' final tactic?
5!
4!
Brent, who was holding the ball on the baseline, had one head and two heads, and he couldn't find a passing route to Lin Dong at all.
At this time, Payton was entangled by Tyronn Lue, and Iguodala was entangled by Larry Hughes. Tyronn Lue was indeed unable to completely lock down Payton, but the problem was that the Wizards added Yao Ming on the defensive end. …
The 226-centimeter big man opened his legs at this time, and with his broad body and long wingspan, he blocked the left side in front of Brent who was sending the baseline ball, completely blocking Brent's pass to Payton. line.
Yao Ming did not go back to defend the basket. In 6 seconds, it was obvious that the Wizards had risked everything.
And Dayao's blockade of the server seemed to be the last straw to overwhelm the Sonics, and he couldn't even serve the ball!
3!
All fans in the audience were shouting excitedly, counting down the seconds and putting more pressure on the Sonics.
But McMillan was already stunned. What should he do if he couldn't hit the baseline ball? Then we have to exchange the ball directly!
pause! pause! Pause first!
He quickly wanted to signal to the referee, but the assistant coach next to him stopped him in time: "There are no more timeouts!"
McMillan's heart suddenly skipped a beat. He called a timeout even though he didn't have the count. He would have to commit a technical offence...
2!
1!
When the countdown enters the last second.
Facing the Wizards' desperate defense, Lin Dong still couldn't get out of the open space, and Payton and Iguodala couldn't catch the ball at all.
Frankly speaking, the Wizards' defense has already made considerable moves at this time, but this is home court and it is still the last moment of the game. With this level of off-ball defense, there is nothing wrong with not bragging!
Seeing that the five-second violation was about to occur, a dark green figure suddenly jumped out from the side and stretched out his hands towards Brent from a position completely off the ball.
Brent, who was so nervous that his heartbeat was about to stop, passed the ball without hesitation as if he saw a life-saving straw.
But McMillan on the sidelines was stunned.
The one who received the ball was No. 10, Hanamichi Sakuragi. He was the only person the Wizards did not guard, and it even felt like he was missed on purpose.
McMillan was startled, and then suddenly realized the Wizards' tactical intentions.
There is no timeout to make substitutions! I was really smart just now!
He quickly wanted to tell the referee to make a substitution, but it was already a step too late.
Uh-huh!
Brent passed directly to Sakuragi Hanamichi, but in the next second, the Wizards seemed to have been waiting for this pass. Yao Ming suddenly turned around and made a brutal hug, directly picking up Sakuragi who had just caught the ball. Sakuragi wasn't even given time to throw the ball.
Doug Collins on the sidelines pumped his fist.
The tactic God came up with didn't give Sonics time to think, and he really caught it!
Sakuragi Hanamichi, the guy who helped the Sonics lay the foundation for victory in G1 and defended Yao Ming, the league's current No. 1 center, to misery, is also the Sonics' biggest vulnerability at this time.
And his flaw is his free throws!
beep!
The referee's whistle sounded.
"Wizards No. 5 fouled, SuperSonics No. 10 made 2 free throws!"
penalty? Number 10? !
In the fourth quarter, the number of fouls committed by both sides has reached the level of free throws, but it was only at this time that the SuperSonics collectively felt disappointed.
Use Yao Ming to trick Sakuragi into playing, use the defense against Sakuragi to trick Sakuragi into catching the ball, and then use the foul on Sakuragi to send Sakuragi to the free throw line!
McMillan was so annoyed that he threw the tactical board to the ground and roared "Fake". He should have thought of it a long time ago...
Damn it, there is no timeout, you can call for substitution!
Firstly, it can give time to adjust the serve, and secondly, it can also allow Desmond or veteran Livingston, who is more stable in free throws, to replace Sakuragi to catch the ball. But now... what kind of bullshit coach am I? It was really in that moment. My brain is completely shut down!
As for the Wizards' bench, everyone jumped with excitement.
Jordan finally showed a smile of relief on his face, stretched out his big hand and gave Yao Ming a hard high-five: "Good! Well done, Yao!"
Sending Sakuragi Hanamichi to the free throw line is the Wizards' only way and the best choice in this situation.
Sakuragi's free throw shooting is not too bad, but it is definitely not good. Throughout the season, his free throw shooting rate was 71%, but in the playoffs it dropped to 65%, which is considered one of the worst free throw shooting in the Sonics team.
Especially under heavy pressure, at such a critical moment, with the winning point of the game in hand, the kid's psychological pressure will make his free throws even more unreliable!
Now 2 points behind, as long as he misses a free throw, the Wizards will have a chance to tie with 3 points and go to overtime. He will definitely not let this opportunity slip away.
And if he misses two free throws, he can even use a 3-pointer to end the game directly!
Sakuragi was also stunned at this time.
Just now, I only thought about coming over to save the ball, but I forgot that the opponent would foul me.
penalty……
Seeing the cheering celebration on the other side, Sakuragi Hanamichi's heart suddenly thumped.
He could hear his violent heartbeat, feel his scalp tingling, and even feel his fingers trembling.
How can you shoot free throws in such a state? !
If this shot is missed, if this free throw is missed, all the efforts of Brother Gao Ren, Master Payton, and everyone will probably be ruined in his own hands!
This this……
"Hi!"
A big hand pressed on his head in time.
Sakuragi Hanamichi was so nervous that he suddenly raised his head like a conditioned reflex.
A familiar face appeared in front of him, it was Brother Gao Ren.
"Are you scared?" Lin Dong said to him with a smile.
Fear?
There have been few times in his life when he was afraid, but that definitely didn't include now.
Sakuragi Hanamichi swallowed involuntarily.
Everyone had tried their best in this game, but they didn't expect that in the end, the balance of victory would fall on their heads.
For the first time, Sakuragi Hanamichi felt that the pressure on his shoulders was so great.
Fear? More than just fear? Sakuragi felt like his whole body was shaking!
Lin Dong didn't wait for his answer, but pulled his head over and pressed his forehead against his own.
Whoops! Whoops! Whoops!
Both could hear each other's heavy breathing.
Sakuragi gasped nervously. Brother Takato probably wanted to remind him some free throw skills, right? Although he has long been familiar with those theoretical techniques...
Unexpectedly, what Lin Dong said was only four simple words.
"I trust you!"
Lin Dong said and patted Sakuragi on the back of the head with a smile.
Whoop whoop whoop whoop!
I trust you!
Huchihuchi...
believe……
call--
Sakuragi Hanamichi felt that his mind suddenly became empty, and he let out a long breath.
beep!
The referee blew the whistle to urge a free throw, and Sakuragi Hanamichi walked to the free throw line.
Jordan, Yao Ming and other Wizards players were looking at him, exerting pressure on him with their eyes, and of course verbally: "Hey, boy, can you shoot free throws?"
"This kid's free throw shooting sucks."
"Get ready to rebound!" Jordan yelled loudly.
There are two free throws, and the first one is a rebound... But I just want to say, I just want to tell you, you can't make the shot!
But at this moment, Sakuragi Hanamichi was extremely quiet.
Bang bang bang bang...
Sakuragi patted the ball steadily, finding his own rhythm, silently memorizing the basics and movements of free throws.
Kneel the ball, bend your knees, and look at the basket.
Uh-huh!
The basketball is shot steadily.
Bang!
It hit the inner edge of the basket and bounced slightly, making Jordan and everyone else's hearts seem to bounce along with it.
The tactic was used and successful, but it also depends on this kid's free throws.
Don't come in! Don't come in! Don't come in!
Jordan muttered silently in his heart.
God has been blessing us for many years, not less than once tonight!
At this time, not only the people in the MCI center, but also in distant Japan, in different places...
Haruko's heart at the University of Tokyo was already clenched, and all the friends in the eel restaurant held their breaths. Even Coach Anzai in the villa was so nervous that he couldn't help but stand up and hold his hands tightly. tugging at his thermos cup.
Bang bang bang bang...
Go in, go in, you must go in!
All the companions were praying nervously. Only Sakuragi Hanamichi's eyes were as dark as water, and he didn't know what he was thinking.
I saw the basketball bouncing on the basket several times, and finally got into the net with difficulty.
The score on the electronic scoreboard jumped hard.
122:125, SuperSonics lead by 3 points!
"yeah!"
A burst of fierce cheers erupted in the cafeteria of Tokyo University, and Haruko almost fainted from nervousness.
The companions at the Kanagawa eel restaurant were so excited that they almost smashed Uozumi Jun's restaurant. Many people were so excited that they jumped on the table. This meant that Uozumi Jun was also staring at the TV nervously. Otherwise, these If the guy dared to step on his dining table, the knife in his hand might no longer be on the chopping board.
In the villa, Coach Anxi had already turned his back. He was holding a thermos cup in his hand, lowering his head and lighting it. He really didn't dare to look at it. After all, he was a person with heart disease, and not yet. When he couldn't help but ask, his wife Keiko next to him was already smiling and said in a smooth and gentle voice: "The free throw was scored, don't worry."
"Huh..." Coach Anxi was so nervous that he breathed a sigh of relief.
At the MCI Center scene, McMillan and others gave him a hard squeeze.
This can at least ensure that we don't lose. Even if we miss the next free throw, we can still defend 3 points and let 2 points pass. Even Jordan may not be able to take it down!
beep!
The referee picked up the ball and passed it to Sakuragi Hanamichi again.
——No penalty! No penalty! No penalty!
——Go to hell on No. 10! You are trash!
——No. 10, you don’t know how to shoot free throws at all! Look, the basket is here with me!
--Whirring whirring! Ha ha ha ha! Ahhhhh!
Behind the basket, the stands of the arena were decorated with flowers. Countless fans shouted crazily at Sakuragi Hanamichi, raised their middle fingers at him, provoked him, and waved anything they could, including pictures, flags, and cloth. Strips, glow sticks, and even various flashes that are not very powerful but are enough to disturb you!
The entire arena was boiling, like a boiling pot of spicy hot pot!
But Sakuragi just took a deep breath and didn't even look at the boiling stands.
Bend your knees, draw in your abs, and lift your chest.
Sakuragi Hanamichi's body froze.
There was no more dribbling, and no extra second of delay.
While lifting his body up, his hands followed the inertia and threw the ball.
The basketball draws a beautiful arc in the air...
At this moment, Haruko, Coach Anzai, Brother Takato, Teacher Payton, Master McMillan, and everyone else, including everything that happened in the summer starting from that dream, flashed through Sakuragi Hanamichi's mind one by one.
Finally, it turned into four big characters spoken by Brother Gao Ren.
I trust you!
Uh-huh!
The basketball goes hollow into the net.
The corners of Sakuragi's mouth turned up slightly.
The score on the electronic scoreboard seemed to be beating steadily without any hesitation this time.
122:126!
4-point advantage, only 6 seconds left!
The entire arena fell silent at this moment.
There was no celebration or excitement. Sakuragi just clenched his fists tightly, followed by a shout: "Defense!"
Lin Dong and Payton both had happy expressions on their faces.
"Defend! Defend! Defend!"
All SuperSonics players immediately took action, man-to-man marking everyone on the Wizards.
No chance, no chance!
The smile on Jordan's face had stiffened, while Tyronn Lue, who ran to the baseline to hold the ball, had a dull look on his face.
Trailing by 4 points, only 6 seconds left...
Facing the Sonics' current five-and-four defense, Sakuragi Hanamichi clung to Yao Ming, while Lin Dong and Payton flanked Jordan without the ball.
Brent used all his strength to cling to Larry Hughes, while Iguodala almost lived on Harrington's body.
The belief in winning and the unyielding momentum gave the SuperSonics an astonishing fighting power at this moment, and also caused the entire MCI Center to fall into a deathly silence.
Only then did Tyronn Lue realize that he couldn’t even pass the ball...
Unsurprisingly, there was a five-second serving violation. This time, even Doug Collins forgot to use a substitution to pause the time.
And when the possession of the ball was transferred to the Sonics, when the Wizards' defense had dropped off a cliff with the decline of momentum visible to the naked eye.
Everyone understood that the Wizards lost.
Iguodala got rid of Harrington's defense, which was on the verge of collapse, received the baseline ball, and then held the ball firmly in his arms without even thinking about taking a shot.
With his 87% free throw shooting rate, the Wizards directly gave up foul tactics.
6!
The players on the SuperSonics bench were counting down wildly and excitedly.
"Hi!" Yao Ming stretched out his hand to Sakuragi Hanamichi: "The last two free throws were good. I will find a way to break your rogue tactics in the next game."
He said with a smile, Sakuragi Hanamichi grinned at him and held Yao Ming's hand.
5!
The countdown continues.
"you are good!"
There are still 5 seconds left on the clock, but Jordan has already stretched out his hand to Lin Dong: "However, you won't be so lucky in the next game!"
Lin Dong smiled and reached out to hold it.
Snapped!
Until the referee blew the full-time whistle.
122:126!
The score is frozen on the electronic scoreboard.
Payton and McMillan hugged each other, and the 34-year-old actually shed tears. Although this was only G1, it meant too much.
The scene of the Sonics legend embracing became the headline photo published by many media outlets the next day.
"we won!"