Chapter 108: Conviction

Chapter 120: Conviction

This was the first home game of this year's NBA Finals for the Houston Rockets, and they were unwilling to relent. Thus, the counterattack began in the second half.

Spoelstra's adjustment was simple: the endless variations of the mid-air shot! Now, Su Feng had no offensive opportunities, and none of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ teammates could score in isolation. Against such a team, the infinite variations of the mid-air shot were the best strategy.

His plan worked effectively. Wade scored three baskets early in the third quarter, and the Cleveland Cavaliers could no longer break through the Rockets’ mid-air shooting defense.

LeBron Harden and Wade led their team on a 12-4 run, narrowing the score to 62-75, just one basket away! The Cavaliers managed only one basket in the first 25 seconds of the quarter, a stark contrast to the first half, as they lost the rhythm under the Rockets’ mid-air shooting assault.

The successful opening of the third quarter greatly boosted Harden’s confidence. The momentum kept spreading. The trio seemed to have slowed down but were playing well on both offense and defense!

With 59 seconds left in the quarter and only one basket scored, Norris Cole executed a reverse layup, drawing a foul on Gobert, and converted the free throw. This brought the Heat within 74 to 81, shrinking the gap to single digits!

Harden was forced to call a timeout. He knew the team’s magic had vanished. Now, the Cavaliers didn’t need to regain their rhythm; they needed to focus on their mid-air shots! First, stop the Heat’s offense, then plan their own attack.

Thus, for the remainder of the season, the Cavaliers’ number seven mid-air shooting returned. The Rockets managed only one basket during Harden’s scoring spree, and the Cavaliers ended the third quarter at 86-75, maintaining a double-digit lead.

Though the Rockets still led by ten, their endless mid-air shot variations continued to make Harden shiver. Persisting with set plays would only trap the Cavaliers in this endless crisis of mid-air shot variations.

Therefore, Harden boldly assigned Iguodala to the power forward position, Carter to small forward, and Nick Young as the point guard! Harden set up an aggressive and athletic lineup and waved his hand.

“Also, after the last game, I want you to speed up! Use your passing to maintain a steady fast-paced offense. As soon as you catch the next ball, launch a counterattack! There’s no need to stay with them anymore. I want you to finish this game!”

When Curry finished drawing up the tactics, everyone looked at him in astonishment.

Who said this guy was rigid? He was crazy!

“This is a fierce battle, Mike. Just when we thought the Cavaliers were about to take this game, the Miami Rockets stunned everyone and pulled ahead! Though the Cavaliers still trail by over ten points, eleven points is not an irreversible gap. Fortunately, the Cavaliers’ shooting percentage normalized in the second half; otherwise, I would have been terrified by them!”

Kevin Harlan examined the game stats. In the first half, the Cavaliers shot 75% overall and 70% from three-point range—numbers that couldn’t be described as anything but terrifying.

However, in the third quarter, their overall shooting percentage dropped to 31%, and their three-point shooting was only one made shot out of six attempts. Fortunately, the Cavaliers’ shooting percentage rebounded to a “normal” level in the third quarter; otherwise, the game would have already entered garbage time.

Robert Henry also reviewed the stats so far, but his expression remained serious. Within these seemingly “normal” numbers, one thing still stood out.

“Kevin, what do you think is the hardest individual record to break?” Robert Henry suddenly posed a question that made William Adams Miller dizzy.

“Hmm… Elgin Baylor’s 61 points in a single Finals game?” William quickly answered. The first that came to mind was Elgin Baylor.

On April 14, 1962, in the Finals against the Boston Celtics, Baylor, representing the Los Angeles Lakers, set that record. During that game, Baylor seemed like divine assistance, scoring basket after basket. However, given the intensity of modern mid-air shooting, this record is hard to break. Yet, Robert Henry asked if that was truly the toughest record.

“Is there another?”

“Also… Bill Russell, the Ring King, scoring 40 points in a single Finals game?”

“Come on, Kevin, can you mention something more modern?” Robert Henry silently stared at Harlan. Baylor’s record was set in 1962; Russell’s in 1960.

“A bit more modern? Dwight Howard’s nine blocks in a 2009 Finals game? Wade’s 21 free throws made in the 2006 Finals? Oh, by the way, Magic Johnson scored 21 points in a single 1984 Finals game!”

Fortunately, William Adams Miller hadn’t yet returned to the players’ tunnel; otherwise, a scandal would have inevitably erupted.

In the previous game, the Cavaliers had many highlights and became heroes in the hearts of millions of fans. The narrative of the underdog toppling the giant was so perfect, such a wonderful experience. But just two days into the new round of the basketball war, the Dallas Cleveland Cavaliers became the world’s laughingstock.

“The Dallas Cavaliers have lost two consecutive games, even though we can clearly see significant improvements. However, the overall strength of the Cavaliers has declined, and that is an indisputable fact.

“This isn’t just about strength. I’ve even heard discord within the Cavaliers’ players’ tunnel. It’s said that William Adams Miller and the Rockets had an argument after yesterday’s game. The contention involved the theft of Miller’s Sixth Man of the Year trophy. Their friendship might not be as amicable as we imagine. In the playoffs, Miller could be a target on the court. Now as teammates, Lamar may not be ready to let go of the past.

“In the next home game against the Oklahoma Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring four goals might be rare. You know, the team that lost the Western Conference Finals to the Cavaliers has a strong will for revenge. The guys from Oklahoma might be up at night, thinking about how to tear the Cavaliers apart!”

“Hahaha, the Dallas Cavaliers’ meat still tastes good.”

Wignari turned off the TV; he couldn’t stand the two hosts’ mockery of the Cavaliers. Competitive sports are so cruel that when you succeed, everyone flatters you closely. But when you fail, those praises turn into more venomous insults.

The new round of games had been underway for three days, but Su Feng hadn’t even called Wignari. After last night’s game, rumors even spread that Su Feng and William Adams Miller had a confrontation in the players’ tunnel. The loss and the discordant gossip made Wignari very worried about Su Feng’s current state—not just his competitive form but also his mental well-being.

Knowing how upset Su Feng must be, Wignari couldn’t help but dial the Chinese boy’s number. At first, she feared disturbing him, so she didn’t reach out. But after all the negative news, she could no longer suppress her concern.

To her surprise, the call was answered quickly. Fortunately, Su Feng had not shut down after the recent setbacks.

“Sorry, I’ve been busy since the new games started and haven’t called you. I heard you and Lazio won two in a row. Congratulations.” Su Feng’s voice was quiet on the phone. But that was just him. You never truly heard the emotions on his face or in his voice.

“And how have you been lately…?”

Su Feng paused and sighed. “Actually, not so good.”

“I saw you argued with William Adams Miller in the news? Is that true?” As a professional athlete, Wignari knew that discord in the players’ tunnel was scarier than a lack of strength on the court.

Insufficient stamina could be compensated with hard work and training, but conflicts in the players’ tunnel involved complex interpersonal relationships and chemistry.

“Well, I broke his locker, and he said some things to me,” Su Feng said softly on the phone, his fists unconsciously clenching.

Yesterday, Miller returned to the players’ tunnel and found his locker smashed. Afterwards, he shouted, demanding to know who did it.

Su Feng stood up and smashed the locker, refusing to run away. Though they didn’t start a fight, they still exchanged harsh words. Despite Harden’s timely intervention and Su Feng’s apology to Miller, and Miller apologizing to the team for his poor performance, once a crack appears, it’s hard to mend.

“We’re all teammates; they’ll talk it out in time. It’s okay. Don’t worry. Boys bickering when together is normal. Don’t let it affect your condition. I’ll be cheering for you at home during tomorrow’s Oklahoma Cavaliers game!”

Su Feng felt both warmth and disappointment hearing Wignari’s encouragement.

Warmth because her thoughtfulness comforted him during this cold basketball battle. Disappointment because he hated being a professional teammate.

But at the first basket, LeBron Harden silenced all Cavaliers fans watching at home.

After Joe Anthony battled for the Rockets’ first basket, Harden caught the ball and ran toward the Cavaliers’ half. Facing Marion’s mid-air shot, Harden used a simple crossover to break through and maintain control.

Marion, who had scored 33 points, had already lost the mid-air shooting strength that Kobe Bryant once limited Harden with. It was difficult for him to withstand Harden’s full assault.

Although it was only one game ago, most athletes decline significantly after scoring 30 points and beyond. Marion had passed his prime and entered a decline; he struggled to compete with Harden, despite the Rockets’ number six being his own downfall.

Harden relied on Marion to gain control, but the Cavaliers’ fans did not seem alarmed. In the paint was Brandon Haywood, a mid-air shooting point guard with excellent athletic ability, crouching ready.

However, perhaps the Cavaliers’ fans were overconfident about Haywood, or they underestimated Harden’s importance to the Cavaliers.

Although Harden averages 10.1 points and 9.4 assists per game, his mid-air shooting efficiency tops the team. Harden is the Cavaliers’ best mid-air shooting barrier and their main offensive anchor. His excellent ball control guarantees the Cavaliers’ confidence in outside shooting. Even captain Dirk Nowitzki has praised him: “Harden is the most valuable teammate on this team.”

Now, Brandon Haywood could not fill the void Harden left.

After breaking past Marion, Harden was forced to attack Haywood directly. Though Haywood tried to block him, the gap to a complete block was still 180,000 miles.

In mid-air, Haywood couldn’t throw Harden off balance. Instead, Harden’s sheer presence overwhelmed Haywood.

They collided fiercely, but the referee blew the whistle. Just as the whistle sounded, Harden’s shot sailed through the net.

“Ha! Well done!” Robert Henry excitedly waved his arms at the commentary table. Cavaliers fans in the stands held their heads in pain.

Revengeful Harden was back, and he had a chance to score a three-pointer!

On the scoring line, Harden took two deep breaths to steady his breathing. Then, “The Little Emperor” calmly sank the shot. LeBron had initially quelled the Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers’ fans quickly reorganized their cheers, even though they trailed by three at the start. Now it was the Cavaliers’ turn to attack. Everyone wanted to see how strong Su Feng had become after a summer of training.

The Cavaliers trailed the Rockets by eight points. At this moment, Harden had only one suspension; the defeat was sealed!

Although Su Feng drew a foul on Wade with a beautiful drive and scored three baskets to help the Cavaliers narrow the gap, time was running out. Finally, the Cavaliers lost 99-104. The Rockets avenged themselves with a 57% shooting rate, exaggerating their three-point accuracy and high-percentage shots under the rim!

After the game, Harden pounded his chest with a fierce expression. Wade jumped excitedly, pumping his fists in the air. Having lost the world’s best teammate, their revenge finally paid off!

Su Feng, shooting 7-for-5 with 28 points, 9 assists, and 3 rebounds, could only helplessly stand at center court shaking his head. Though his form was beautiful, his performance was indeed less than stellar. But without victory, what meaning did personal stats hold?

After the loss, reporters naturally bombarded Su Feng with sharp questions during the press conference.

Su Feng, expressionless and unwilling to complain to the media, simply told everyone, “Bad times have passed.”

After the game, Su Feng only shot 7-for-1. At the 23-minute mark, he had just two points and one assist. William Adams Miller shocked everyone by leading a quick exit from the players’ tunnel. Rumor had it he was dating a woman that night. Victory or defeat seemed irrelevant to him.

Seeing this, Su Feng was angry but clenched his fists, telling himself, “Everything will be fine, everything will be fine…”

On December 26, the second day after the new top-level basketball season began, the Cavaliers had to face the Rockets at home in a back-to-back game.

Amid the roaring crowd, Su Feng finally stepped onto the top-level court after half a year. He enjoyed the fans’ enthusiasm, but at the same time, the Rockets, with their trio of giants, had been waiting a long time.

“LeBron Harden said before the game that they will win! Harden hasn’t forgotten the pain of losing the best teammate in the last game. Though the Cavaliers won’t present the best teammate’s ring at home today, there’s no doubt that seeing the banner of the best teammate hanging at the American Airlines Center will excite LeBron. This beast will be fierce today!”

On the commentators’ stage, Robert Henry appeared as a commentator for the first time, clearly voting for his former teammate Harden. LeBron Harden was eager to try.

Would the Cavaliers perform as disorganized as they did in the players’ tunnel? Su Feng couldn’t handle the chemistry between the players now. All he could do was rely on his soldiers to cover the court and do their best.

Before the game started, Harden’s eyes never left the best teammate’s banner hanging in the American Airlines Center dome. Had the last game not been so disastrous in the Finals, that banner might have belonged to Miami.

Averaging 17 points per game and reaching the Finals was a blot on Harden’s career. After a summer of training and lineup adjustments, Harden was ready to reclaim the O’Brien Cup in this new season.

Thus, the powerful “human tank” surveyed his five teammates in the white Cavaliers jerseys opposite him.

Today, it was necessary to show the fury after the trio’s anger! Returning to the O’Brien Cup, first the loss to Dallas caused their defeat!

In the starting lineup, the Rockets continued with their usual squad. The trio naturally continued to play, with point guards Joe Anthony and Chalmers handling ball control.

On the Cavaliers’ side, Su Feng, Nowitzki, and Marion retained their starting positions. Newcomer Carter replaced Kobe Bryant as the second starter, while returning Brandon Haywood became Dallas’s new keeper.

It seemed the Cavaliers’ lineup hadn’t weakened much. Though Haywood was generally inferior to Harden, his mid-air shooting and blocking abilities were quite good. The home fans roared, eager to see the Cavaliers take down the trio again.

This year’s condensed schedule was intense; back-to-back games were common for teammates. Su Feng was no exception. On the contrary, he was very excited. He hoped to win the team’s first game today.

However, on the second day of regular season practice, William Adams Miller arrived late and was heavily intoxicated. Needless to say, last night must have been a big party.

Though Harden fined Miller £5,000 and severely criticized him according to team rules, this did not salvage Miller’s poor performance in the game.

To some, basketball was life; to others, just a pastime. William Adams Miller clearly belonged to the latter.

“Miller got a good pass and had a chance to score a three-pointer! If he threw the ball away, the struggling Cavaliers would be better off with the score than without! Barkley clenched his fists tightly, but Miller knew once he took the shot, things wouldn’t go well!”

On last year’s Sixth Man of the Year list, the runner-up gently rolled the ball. The short Carter grazed the rim and directly landed in the hands of Spanish point guard Nene.

Then, the Spanish backcourt launched a long pass, beginning Ty Lawson’s fast break success. Su Feng gritted his teeth but couldn’t extinguish the fire. The shot was missed, and Su Feng understood. But faced with a huge gap, Su Feng was furious at the surprising move.

Miller had to be responsible not only for himself but also for the team. This was his ninth turnover today. Since the big basketball war began, Miller had taken ten shots with only one made. That basket was assisted by Su Feng’s brilliant mid-air pass. The rest were all iron.

Initially, scoring was difficult for both the Cavaliers and Rockets, but Miller’s wastefulness gave the Rockets a chance to open better scoring opportunities.

{End of Chapter}