Chapter 102: This Is Already a Very Good Thing

Chapter 114: This Is Truly a Wonderful Thing

Had the goal finally been achieved? Su Feng was uncertain. He lay on the cold floor, a halo of light shining above his face.

“Robert Henry, I did my best. I don’t know if this gift reached you successfully.”

Gradually, the dazzling lights of the court were obscured. William Adams Miller and Yi Jianlian, clad in training gear, approached Su Feng but did not extend a hand to help him up.

Su Feng grabbed both of their arms and suddenly pulled himself up with strength.

Once standing, he saw the goal displayed on the big screen. William Adams Miller embraced him warmly.

“Did we win, Robert Henry? Did we win?” Su Feng anxiously asked, still unable to discern from his on-court reactions whether the shot had counted.

“We will definitely win. We absolutely will!” William Adams Miller released Su Feng, and more teammates gathered around. Yet the Houston Rockets players remained on the court, while three club chairpersons surrounded the technical area, seemingly watching the replay. The coaches, William Adams Miller and Brooks, bent over anxiously, awaiting the final verdict.

“The shot was just made, but the club chairpersons were unsure if the game had ended when the ball left your hand,” Yi Jianlian explained in Chinese, detailing the cause and effect to Su Feng. Su Feng nodded in understanding. Did that shot, almost impossible to see the basket from, truly count? The suspense was intense!

Because the decision would directly determine the outcome of the game, the chairpersons took it very seriously. From the normal speed footage, it was impossible to tell whether Su Feng had released the ball before the red light illuminated. The three chairpersons reviewed the footage multiple times from different angles, yet remained indecisive.

Finally, one chairperson proposed a solution: when the red light of the basket flashes, stop the playback to clearly see whether the ball was in Su Feng’s hands at that moment.

Everyone at Chesapeake Energy Arena watched the big screen with bated breath, mirroring exactly what the chairpersons saw.

The replay began again. Su Feng caught the indicated ball and drove directly into the paint. Surrounded by Van Nistelrooy and Perkins, he hurriedly released the shot just as the red light came on.

At that moment, the chairpersons pressed pause. The entire arena held its breath! The ball was only a few meters from Su Feng’s palm. However, the narrow margin between the Bulls’ and the Cavaliers’ scores meant Cleveland triumphed at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

“Damn!” Van Nistelrooy clenched his hand in disappointment and walked down the players’ tunnel. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers players surged forward, surrounding Su Feng.

William Adams Miller stood at the sideline, wiping sweat from his brow. As the chairpersons reviewed the footage, his heart seemed ready to leap out.

Kobe Bryant watched at home, a joyful smile lighting his face. “Thank you for the gift, kid.”

“Incredible! So dramatic! Both sides fought fiercely, and the winning basket came at the final 0.1 seconds! Oh! Shaq, look at the sweat on my forehead! At the end of the game, I even felt my heart stop.” Charles Barkley slowly sat down, trying to soothe his overtaxed heart.

What about Shaquille O’Neal? He stared at the arena, speechless.

The top league and TNT had given Kobe Bryant the best performance in the last 53 seconds of the game. The result? Su Feng missed three consecutive shots under Kobe’s pressure, becoming the final hero. One offensive foul and a free throw sealed the game!

Within 53 seconds, the fate of two guards and two teams swung dramatically. Perhaps that is the greatest allure of competitive sports.

“22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. Although those numbers are slightly lower than Kobe Bryant’s 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, ultimately, it was a winning effort. He defeated Kobe Bryant, leading the Oklahoma City Houston Rockets, who were favored as the best team, to failure! Friends in the audience, the Dallas Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t lose until the second round.”

“Unbelievable, Charles. I must admit, before the playoffs began, I seemed to underestimate them. Although the Cavaliers’ roster has aged and some key players have moved on, they remain competitive. While losing veterans, they continue to grow. Another slaughter—my God, I can’t recall how many times in my career I’ve won a game with such a kill. He has a big heart for a young man. If he were replaced by someone his age, his legs would have given out long ago!”

“It’s impossible; he had to pass to Marion, who was temporarily open. But Van Nistelrooy’s defense was too fast. He never gave Marion a chance to shoot!”

“The Rockets’ defense is so tight! The Cavaliers have no chance!” Barkley shook his head. Last year, William Adams Miller and Su Feng had turned the Rockets’ paint area upside down. But this year, the challenge was clearly much greater.

Su Feng grew stronger, and the young Rockets team also grew tougher. As for William Adams Miller, he was slowly retreating.

The ball was passed multiple times without a clear opportunity. In the last three seconds of the 24-second shot clock, Henley Will went out of bounds along the three-point line with his head. But Seferosa’s timely interference completely disrupted Henley Will’s shot.

The ball tapped the left side of the basket; the electronic buzzer sounded. The Cavaliers’ 24-second offense was over—they failed to score!

“Henley Will missed three shots. Does the Cavaliers team want to swallow this loss?” Barkley clenched his fists and stood up. He could no longer sit still in the commentary box.

Six seconds remained in the game. After catching the next pass, Brooks would immediately call a timeout! The Cavaliers would surely employ a zone defense strategy, replacing all free shooters! Everything was under control; victory was within grasp!

Perkins jumped high, preparing to score. But Hayward refused to let go. He and Perkins leapt nearly simultaneously, both confronting the ball.

However, the ball eluded both defenders and was directed by two strong men instead—Robert Henry.

“Leighton did not protect a goal at the start! This is the Cavaliers’ chance!” Barkley jumped up. Time was running out!

The ball flew past three goal lines. Seferosa was trapped by Henley Will, ready to take the ball away. As long as we seize it from Leighton, victory is ours!

Both legs cramped; the Swiss army knife lunged at Leighton. But just as his body rose halfway, a shadow suddenly appeared, separating himself from Leighton—Robert Henry.

“Still! Aggressively fighting for the ball pointed out before Seferosa! As he landed, he headed straight into the paint, with Van Nistelrooy and Perkins rushing to cover!”

Van Nistelrooy and Perkins, two large and powerful men, stood like mountains before him. Su Feng barely had time to glance at the shot clock. He only knew that if he didn’t act now, he would lose.

He rose slowly. Under the blockade of Van Nistelrooy and Perkins, Su Feng could hardly see the basket. He gently lobbed the ball and collided mid-air with Van Nistelrooy. The weaker man lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Su Feng lay on the floor, watching Leighton cross Ibaka’s fingertips—nothing else was visible.

A loud electronic beep filled the entire arena, and suddenly the red light above the basket flashed on.

Su Feng saw the Cavaliers celebrating, the Rockets too. William Adams Miller shouted at the chairpersons, while Brooks hurriedly sought their attention.

Shaquille O’Neal occasionally praised Su Feng. When he watched the game, people said this boy resembled Dwyane Wade.

But now, no one would say that anymore. Because Su Feng was likely to become a star unlike any other. He was no one’s shadow; he would stand on his own within the league.

At Chesapeake Energy Arena, the defeated Houston Rockets fans felt disappointed. At this late stage, the stands were sparsely populated, yet the atmosphere remained lively.

Reporters surrounded Su Feng and the others after such a dramatic game, determined not to let those who created miracles slip away unnoticed.

William Adams Miller smiled. Tonight, facing persistent reporters, De Su Feng was overwhelmed.

One word.

A day after the game, people still loved to discuss last night’s match. Especially the photo of Su Feng’s final shot, repeatedly broadcast by major sports channels.

Su Feng had just played his second NBA game, yet contributed so many brilliant moments to the basketball world. Even Houston Rockets coach Scott Brooks admitted in an interview that Su Feng’s goal was divine will.

At the practice court today, the atmosphere among the Cavaliers was tense. Kobe Bryant and Cuban would fly to Oklahoma to join the team. Besides cheering from the sidelines, Kobe had a very important purpose: the Cavaliers would hold a press conference on this media day to officially announce Kobe Bryant’s retirement.

Watching Kobe Bryant, dressed in suit and leather jacket, observing practice on the court, Su Feng felt somewhat out of place. Up to now, he had practiced most of the time alongside Kobe.

Van Nistelrooy did not anticipate Su Feng’s sudden arrival and struck hard before he could brake.

Van Nistelrooy’s impact was so strong that Su Feng only saw darkness and fell to the ground. What about Durant? After hitting Su Feng, he used his length advantage to sink the shot. Chesapeake Energy Arena erupted in cheers as the chairperson whistled.

“Offensive foul, no basket!” The chairperson crossed his arms, rejecting Van Nistelrooy’s crucial goal.

Van Nistelrooy did not complain. He knew it was an offensive foul. Had the chairperson not blown the whistle, he would have had no grounds to argue.

However, Rockets fans refused to accept what they saw as a stifling of the game. A loud booing rose from the stands—unclear whether aimed at Su Feng or the chairperson.

“Wait! Don’t move! Defend carefully; give them no chance!” Brooks grew increasingly tense. Neither side scored; the one-point lead remained, but time was short. Whoever scored next would deliver a fatal blow—Robert Henry.

The Cavaliers regrouped; 30 seconds remained. Both teams had one last chance to attack. These two possessions were the most critical of the game.

Panting, Su Feng signaled his teammates to position. After being struck by Van Nistelrooy, he nearly lost breath.

After halftime, Su Feng quickly passed without tangling with Kobe Bryant. Kobe told him, “You can’t play aggressively against someone like me—you have to defeat me in other ways.”

Su Feng’s movement remained active. Though sweating profusely, he never gave up.

Henley Will passed again to Robert Henry, but Van Nistelrooy’s defense quickly closed in. Still, brave William Adams Miller was not caught off guard and missed no opportunity. You see, Van Nistelrooy’s height rivaled a true interior player. William Adams Miller could not shoot easily under the interference of Ibaka and Van Nistelrooy, both long-armed defenders.

Now, Kobe Bryant could only watch the game from the sidelines, much to Su Feng’s dismay.

“Did you see that kid’s performance yesterday?” William Adams Miller stood beside Kobe Bryant; they exchanged no words.

“Yes. Though the word is overused, I still want to say, damn! Kobe Bryant stared at the sweating Su Feng on the practice court. Who would have thought he was just a rookie?”

“After him, he can reach your level!”

“No,” Kobe shook his head. William Adams Miller thought Kobe was denying Su Feng. “He may surpass me, Steve, and many others in the future. Look at what he’s achieved now—that’s beyond many players. I’ve played nearly 20 years. Haven’t I won a best player once like him? But he may win the O’Brien Cup multiple times. Talking about the world’s best player was the biggest regret of Kobe Bryant’s career. As a historic point guard, he only earned his best player ring late in his career.”

“But compared to Karl Malone, Stockton, and Nash, Kobe feels fortunate—they are still struggling in the mud.”

“Thank you, Robert Henry.”

“Hm?” William Adams Miller suddenly said thanks, confusing Kobe Bryant.

“You’re leaving the future to Dallas.” William Adams Miller smiled. Kobe Bryant’s coaching of Su Feng for the Cavaliers might shape the team’s next 10 or even 20 years.

“I’m not leaving the future,” Kobe Bryant looked up, trying to gaze at the bright light. He finally felt leaving the game was easy. Crying in front of so many was a shame!

One word.

At the media day press conference, reporters had prepared all equipment and many questions. When the conference began, they were not disappointed! Many Cavaliers players and coaches were present. Kobe Bryant’s farewell could not be careless.

“Thank you for attending today’s press conference and for your support. The Cavaliers could not have accomplished this without many people, but at this moment, I want to thank one person alone.” The Spaniard spoke first, then stood to find Kobe Bryant. They embraced.

“When Coach William Adams Miller and I decided to start Robert Henry in the game, I was asked, ‘Mark, are you crazy? That old guy is always moving. You have a flower show and actually let that old guy start?! What happened?’” The Spaniard spread his arms.

“Stop him! Block him!” Houston Rockets coach Scott Brooks shouted anxiously from the sidelines. Su Feng shot, and Henley Will caught the ball steadily! Robert Henry.

But Seferosa had always been a tough perimeter guard. Despite delays, he approached Henley Will with determination.

When Henley Will received the call from Leighton and turned to shoot under the basket, the fierce Swissman redirected the ball.

No chance—Henley Will chose to wait rather than force a shot.

Meanwhile, Su Feng kept running not far from Kobe Bryant. The Rockets’ defense immediately shifted toward Su Feng; his off-ball movement was often lethal!

Su Feng’s movement drew the Rockets’ defensive attention. Henley Will lofted the ball high in the paint. The true finisher for the Cavaliers was William Adams Miller.

Robert Henry received a local network request, noting that calling Ibaka a strong man was no easy feat. But don’t forget William Adams Miller scored 25 on Ibaka today. It was not easy for Ibaka to resist the German.

William Adams Miller sat behind the ball, but Ibaka was like a mountain, unmoving. However, Robert Henry’s retreat was not to advance but to confuse the opponent.

After a backward fake, William Adams Miller turned and shot. The German still trusted his mid-range jumper near the paint. Even if Ibaka could jump, it was hard to block William Adams Miller’s high release point.

Just as William Adams Miller elevated to extend the shot, the “long-armed monster” Van Nistelrooy suddenly appeared, cutting off the ball.

William Adams Miller looked at Van Nistelrooy in surprise. When did this guy get here!?

In fact, Brooks had devised a plan to protect William Adams Miller. Van Nistelrooy’s sudden appearance was no accident but a long-term strategy.

Seeing this, Su Feng rushed back, quickly returning to defense. Van Nistelrooy strode forward step by step, launching his fast offense!

Though Su Feng’s defense was quick, standing only 1.93 meters tall, he seemed powerless to stop Van Nistelrooy, who was as tall as an interior player.

Su Feng had no choice but to grit his teeth. As Van Nistelrooy approached, Su Feng planted his feet firmly, hands protected near his groin, intending to commit an offensive foul.

“I want to say, without Robert Henry, we wouldn’t be sure to win the O’Brien Cup in this game!”

“I always thought Robert Henry could play two more years, but Rick and I couldn’t persuade you. We respect your decision. The only thing that makes me happy is we can finally give you a full player’s ring as a keepsake. Bless you, Robert Henry.”

After the Spaniard finished, reporters applauded. Kobe Bryant’s eyes were moist. He should have been fighting alongside teammates in the playoffs. But… damn these few months!

Then Kobe Bryant took the microphone and said many things, evoking many memories. He spoke of former teammates, himself, and the Cavaliers.

Kobe Bryant didn’t want to lie. He said his career was his greatest pride. But he also admitted Dallas had given his family the same feeling.

Finally, Kobe Bryant spoke of Su Feng. They had only played two games together. In Kobe’s nearly 20-year career, those two games were barely noteworthy. Yet despite limited time, their friendship was unexpectedly deep.

Kobe Bryant wanted to say much to Su Feng but knew this was not the time for speeches. The veteran approached Su Feng and embraced him tightly.

“I’m leaving too. Next, watch you.” A simple sentence, yet Su Feng’s nose tingled with emotion.

Since those two battles, Kobe Bryant had accompanied Su Feng, teaching him how to become a qualified professional player, an excellent point guard, and even a competent leader! Su Feng had grown accustomed to training alongside Kobe, as if a long-time companion suddenly left. Before college, living in Wood District, Su Feng had almost no friends. Now, he cherished those who cared for him. Stevens and Hayward, and Kobe as well. He wished Kobe would stay, but he could not deny him the right to choose.

Perhaps Su Feng should say something now, but no elegant words came. Silently, Su Feng stepped aside, making room for others.

He hid his thoughts deep inside, whispering to himself:

Goodbye, Robert Henry. Your legend ends, but I will continue to write it…

Kobe Bryant officially announced his retirement.

“Hmm…” William Adams Miller nodded, then opened his hand, slowly clenching it into a fist. “Next, we cancel the game!”

Su Feng’s collar was soaked with sweat; his chest heaved violently. His drenched skin looked like an egg caught in a downpour.

Kobe Bryant, injured at home, nervously stared at the TV screen. The game would end in 53.9 seconds; the Cavaliers still trailed by one. Before then, Su Feng had missed three shots in a row. The toll on his health was evident. No one knew if Su Feng could steady the situation in the crucial final moments.

“Today might be Kobe Bryant’s best game. Facing the same situation, he shot 56%, scoring 28 points, only one from free throws. Kobe finally gained the upper hand. He was absolutely flawless tonight!” The top league and TNT had already chosen Kobe Bryant. What could be done? They believed the Cavaliers had little chance to turn the tide.

The gap between goals was narrow, but whatever the outcome, context always mattered.

Today, Kobe Bryant actively sought physical contact on offense and defense. Undoubtedly, this was one reason for Su Feng’s rapid exhaustion. Kobe’s strategy was effective. As Su Feng’s physical condition declined, Kobe’s game went smoother.

At this moment, the top league photographer zoomed in on Su Feng’s bench. His exhausted appearance truly worried the Cavaliers’ fans.

“Well, after the suspension, Robert Henry, try the mid-short range first. If you can’t, then open up for one-on-one. Listen, don’t put all the pressure on yourself. We just need one more basket—one damn basket—and the pressure will ease greatly!” William Adams Miller spoke, counting on his fingers.

He still worried about Su Feng’s stability, so he decided to try Robert Henry first. William Adams Miller’s regular season performance was unsatisfactory, but he had been courageous in the playoffs. Today, he had scored 25 points; although his shooting percentage was average, he remained reliable in clutch moments.

Su Feng had no objection to Miller’s arrangement. He was not the type to fight for the boss. As long as it helped the team win, who took the key shot was irrelevant.

William Adams Miller had just drawn tactics on the board when the timeout ended. Before the players slowly took the court, he hurriedly gave two more explanations.

At this point, William Adams Miller replaced Carter with the more aggressive guard Henley Will to pair with Su Feng. Henley Will was in good form today, having scored 17 points so far.

Henley Will’s presence would undoubtedly make the Rockets’ defense very difficult. Although Su Feng missed three shots earlier, you wouldn’t dare let him shoot even half a ball. Henley Will’s hands were hot today. It was uncertain whether William Adams Miller would entrust him with key shots. Not to mention Miller himself—he was a killer in clutch moments. The Cavaliers had three potential offensive points on the floor, posing a serious challenge to the Rockets’ defense.

The game resumed; the Cavaliers attacked. Each basket started the shot clock. Su Feng was not anxious. This was not his first desperate moment. From the NCAA to now, his second NBA game, Su Feng was accustomed to big stages!

After controlling the ball at half court, excited Kobe Bryant was immediately locked down. The opponent used his strong body to apply constant pressure, making Su Feng’s dribbling unstable.

At this moment, Henley Will suddenly ran back from the middle to the three-point line. The Swiss army knife Seferosa was delayed by Hayward’s defense, giving Henley Will a brief chance!

Dallas fans were distressed. Naturally, basketball fans felt the same. A player with historic status was nearing the end of his career—it was always a regret.

Reporters naturally interviewed the Cavaliers’ opponents. Houston Rockets coach Scott Brooks said many flattering things, but everyone knew Kobe Bryant’s retirement at this moment benefited the Thunder.

In the last game, the Rockets nearly won. They exhausted Su Feng. If not for Su Feng’s miraculous final shot, the Rockets would have led 1-0.

In the last game, the Rockets controlled the situation except for the final victor. The Cavaliers’ game truly had flaws. William Adams Miller struggled with leadership as he did last year.

{End of chapter}