Chapter 116: A Familiar Sight

Chapter 128: A Familiar Sight

In the previous game, Rudy Gobert recorded 32 points and 19 rebounds. His inner fury made the opposition realize the true terror of his flight. He was no longer just dealing with minor threats; Gobert had finally grown capable of standing his ground against superstar centers like Robert Hillis.

The Timberwolves' 2011 champion, Derrick Williams, also faced a rare, unprecedented explosion today. He had only scored 46 points in his previous outing, but today he racked up 31 points on an incredible 75% shooting, second only to Su Feng.

The pace was too slow. Williams, Miller, and Marion created conditions for their leading scorer to cut through for 63 points, which ultimately led to the Cleveland Cavaliers falling 97 to 108.

The Sacramento Blazers gave the Cavaliers their first taste of consecutive losses, marking the game where the Cavaliers conceded the most points during this stretch. It seems the saga between Su Feng and the Cousins would not end so easily.

The good news for the Cavaliers today was, naturally, that Su Feng’s suspension had expired. In the next game, hopeful fans would finally see a hopeful Dallas.

After two straight losses, the Cavaliers were desperate for Su Feng’s return to the rescue. But the road back for Su Feng was not as smooth as people had imagined.

With Kobe Bryant sidelined indefinitely and Su Feng suspended for three games, the Cavaliers' invincible lineup had developed cracks after a month of dominance. Su Feng’s suspension, in particular, was a massive blow.

When Su Feng was active, the Cavaliers led with a 17-1 record. Without him, they were 1-2. In that single week, the Cavaliers suffered more losses than in the entire previous month.

Although Robert Carlos, Kobe Bryant, and others worked hard and played well, and the Cavaliers remained a strong team without Su Feng, one had to admit that they had lost their grip on the game.

Despite the consecutive losses, the Cavaliers' teammates and fans were not discouraged, for their leading hero had finally returned.

"Su Feng is unbanned, the Cavaliers will not lose!"

As the three-game suspension ended, the league entered a period of "fear" once again.

"The Dallas Cavaliers hope to consolidate their top position in the league after the return of their star player!"

Even before Su Feng had played a single game after his suspension, the media seemed to give him high marks. Everyone was full of expectations for the Cavaliers and Su Feng. As long as he returned, he could surely lead the team out of their slump and end the losing streak.

However, the Cavaliers' opponents in the next game were unwilling to be mere footnotes. Su Feng had blocked a final attempt at the American Airlines Center to win the last encounter. Now that the battle had moved to the Cavaliers' home court, the warriors had no reason to lose again!

On December 11, the Dallas Cavaliers played their fourth consecutive road game. Tickets had been sold out for a long time, and ratings on major sports networks were impressive. There was only one reason for this: Su Feng.

In just three games, Su Feng had proven how much the fans and the league relied on him. Without him, the entire league seemed to lack a narrative. Today, Su Feng was full of confidence. As the first step toward his "demigod" dream, he had to move steadily.

But not everything in the world goes as expected. Su Feng's first step was not only unsteady, but he also stumbled.

Stephen Curry utilized a screen from David Lee to break through, immediately bypassing his defender. No, Stephen didn't break through. Instead, he suddenly stepped back and hit a three-pointer! He was heavily contested, but... it went in again! An unbelievable Stephen Curry, an incredible three-point percentage. "I think the club president should check the court; the Warriors definitely installed a remote control in there!"

In the fourth quarter, Curry hit another three-pointer over Su Feng. This was Hillis's fifth three-pointer of the day! Up to this point, the Cavaliers had only made one more three-pointer than Curry himself.

Curry used the three-pointer as a regular tool, shocking the entire league. Su Feng tried to defend, but that baby-faced assassin just kept scoring!

Hillis’s three-pointers gave the Warriors the lead again. A fun stat at the bottom of the screen showed this was the 28th lead change of the day.

With 0.6 seconds remaining, Lillard finished a buzzer-beater off a pass from Batum, turning the Moda Center into an ocean of joy.

In that game, Lillard's performance left a deep impression on Su Feng. Today, after Lillard killed off the opposition, Su Feng added him to his list of rivals without hesitation. Of course, this type of opponent is worthy of respect.

After the game, in an interview, Lillard first expressed respect for Williams's performance, then voiced his hope that after Su Feng’s suspension ended, they could play a great game together!

Yes, not everyone in the league was so hostile.

The Cavaliers ultimately lost their second game due to Lillard’s dagger. No one wants to lose, but even Robert Carlos had to admit that losing this game wasn't painful for the Cavaliers, who remained at the top of the league with an 18-2 record.

Two days later, on December 9, the Dallas Cavaliers received both bad and good news.

The bad news was that the Cavaliers lost again. Facing the Blazers, who had only won five games all season, the Cavaliers suffered a chilling defeat in Sacramento.

Cousins, an old rival of Su Feng, was a famous "Cavaliers killer." Even with Su Feng absent, the Cousins were happy to slay the bull.

"It seems the Warriors won’t give the Cavaliers a chance to breathe; they want to capitalize on their momentum and hand the league leaders their third consecutive loss! Stephen Hillis's shooting is extremely accurate; three-pointers are as simple for him as a long-range mid-range shot! The Houston Rockets' defense didn't put much pressure on Curry either. At the Cavaliers' arena, no one can shake Kobe Bryant's dominance."

Curry’s scoring was a microcosm of the game. The Cavaliers managed to score a few baskets, but the Warriors were always able to counter with a three-pointer.

With 5 seconds left, the Warriors took a desperate shot. At this point, the score was 93-93. If the Warriors couldn't score in 5 seconds, the game would go to overtime.

Although they were close, the process of this game was very different from the last. The last standoff was between Su Feng and Hillis. But this time, Hillis's performance was as eye-catching as Su Feng's.

Although Su Feng had recorded 22 points and 8 assists, which seemed like a good stat line, he was shooting only 42%, which was definitely below his average.

Su Feng was a bit too cautious today, unable to let loose. Many obvious scoring opportunities were wasted because he was hesitant to shoot.

Conversely, Hillis was fearless. As long as he had the slightest gap, he dared to act.

With five seconds left, Curry used a screen from Barnes. Even though it was a critical final shot, Curry shot decisively and quickly, without completely shaking off Su Feng’s defense.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the ball. When it bounced off the front of the rim, the Cavaliers breathed a sigh of relief—the game was dragged into overtime.

All tense nerves suddenly relaxed, including Su Feng's. But the Cavaliers' teammates seemed to have forgotten one thing: the game clock had not returned to zero!

"Stephen Curry! His active movement allowed him to make such a long shot!" Mike Breen’s roar electrified the fans in front of their TVs.

"Stop him! Stop him!" Robert Carlos's roar from the sidelines also drew his teammates' attention to the unmarked Curry.

Seeing Curry grab the ball behind the free-throw line with 2.3 seconds left, Su Feng started running. On the defensive end, he had never felt so nervous.

Hillis’s shot was too fast, taking less than 2.4 seconds. By the time Su Feng added interference, Hillis’s mid-range shot had already been released.

The red light on the backboard suddenly lit up, and the electronic buzzer was ear-piercing. Su Feng stood on the court, hands on his head.

Just as Hillis heard the whistle, the number 30 player killed the Cavaliers, ending their chance at revenge.

"The game is over! In the last game, Hillis missed the chance to kill it under Yao’s screen. Today, Kobe Bryant explained the meaning of 'shooting anytime, anywhere.'"

Hillis cheered happily.

Due to the £25,000 fine and three-game suspension, the league’s punishment was not too severe. But for Su Feng and the Cavaliers, it was acceptable.

Robert Carlos and Cuban were worried that Su Feng would be banned for more than 10 games, but the three-game result was much better than expected. As for the £25,000 fine, it looked scary, but to Su Feng, it was a drop in the bucket.

After paying the fine and accepting the suspension, Su Feng still refused to apologize, ending the incident that had shocked the entire league.

As for Pachulia’s injury, fortunately, the guy was not paralyzed. After 20 minutes, the lack of sensation in his lower limbs eased. Perhaps when he fell, his complex spinal nerves were suddenly under severe pressure, causing temporary immobility. However, since he landed on his shoulder first, the diagnosis was a fractured scapula. The injury wasn't enough to end Pachulia’s career, but it was enough to keep him resting for a long time.

The league didn't issue any penalties to Pachulia, so Su Feng, like a superhero, punished Pachulia himself as a vigilante. This was perhaps the most expensive malicious foul Pachulia had ever experienced.

Despite being suspended for three games, Su Feng did not relax. He still trained with the team every day, and extra training naturally continued like thunder. Su Feng promised Kobe Bryant he would lead the team to the finals, but that wasn't as simple as just saying it.

For this, Su Feng dared not slack off. During the three-game suspension, his life was not as easy as usual.

Su Feng being suspended was undoubtedly good news for other teams, as it might be their best chance to win against the Cavaliers.

So the Houston Rockets, who were 9-8, became the first to crave "eating the crab." After defeating the Bucks, the Cavaliers would play back-to-back at home against the Rockets. Without Su Feng and in a back-to-back, the Cavaliers were not given the respect they deserved.

However, today, Robert Carlos and Williams stepped forward bravely. They scored 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, telling everyone that even without Su Feng, the Cavaliers would not be slaughtered.

The Rockets fought tooth and nail throughout the game, as they likely saw this as their only chance to beat the Cavaliers. They hit two out of five shots and tried to drag the league leaders down.

Nevertheless, three key three-pointers from Williams in the final 8 seconds helped the Cavaliers escape New Orleans without danger. The Nowitzki-led Cavaliers narrowly defeated the Rockets, and the winning streak officially reached 10 games!

But after two games without Su Feng, the Cavaliers weren't so lucky. Williams returned to form on December 7 against the Blazers with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists on 75% shooting. But Lillard’s 32 points helped the energetic Blazers win the home game.

Yes, Lillard hit two shots, and the Blazers won.

Cavaliers fans at the arena were excited, jumping and running. But the fans watching at home were dumbfounded. After Su Feng returned, the Cavaliers lost consecutively. What was going on?

"I believe everyone expected Su Feng to bring more to the team after his return. But unfortunately, the Cavaliers don't seem to have regained their feeling for the game, and they have experienced a third consecutive loss!" After the game, even Mike Breen thought it was incredible. Su Feng's performance was always known for its stability. How could he just be off his game?

22 points and 8 assists—this was not Su Feng's level.

"Is the £25,000 fine still bothering you?"

"Did you play so poorly because your conscience felt uneasy after the malicious injury to Pachulia?"

"Also, have you not adapted to the feel of the game yet? Stephen hit five three-pointers over your head today and scored 30 points. How do you evaluate his performance?"

Reporters wanted to ask Su Feng many questions, but Su Feng kept a straight face. How could he comment on Curry scoring 30 points? What else could he say?

Su Feng was angry at himself. How could he conquer the fans and the media?

However, the night they lost the game wasn't a total disaster.

The game started, and for the first time facing Su Feng, he ended in failure!

"What a delightful reverse layup, changing the move in mid-air as if in no-man's land. Robert Hillis's court can send out 12 defenders, and the restricted area he guards is a nightmare for many outside players. But it is clear that Su Feng has successfully flown over the no-fly zone stationed by the cousins!"

Fortunately, the club president was "merciful" and didn't call a foul on Cousins for Su Feng’s shot. Otherwise, Robert Carlos would guarantee the big man would get a technical foul.

Su Feng hit two consecutive shots, a fairly smooth start. But the terrifying expression on the Asian guard's face did not disappear. Didn't you say I spent all my energy in bed with Hillis?

Don't blink, even if your face hurts, don't blink! Su Feng cut through, letting you understand the process of your own demise in detail.

The Blazers took a third shot, creating an amazing performance for a rookie. Trey Hillis used his strong body to squeeze Marion into the basket and killed him.

This guy didn't start directly after reaching the basket, but cleverly engaged in physical contact with Marion first. When he pushed Marion away, he slowly jumped up, preparing to lay it in easily.

Hillis pushed Kobe Bryant away, but also gave Su Feng a chance to cover the defense.

Suddenly, Su Feng killed him! Once the number 1 guard is in the penalty area, nothing good usually happens.

Su Feng’s long arm whipped out like a lash, blocking Hillis’s shot.

"Ah! Today is also a time when we cannot give in!" Williams stood up from the bench and raised his arms.

On the sidelines, Su Feng blocked another shot. The photographer gave Su Feng a close-up of his face, which remained ferocious.

Whether it was Robert Hillis, who talked trash before the game, or Victor Jason, who made insulting remarks on social media, they were definitely going to have bad luck today.

"The mantis stalks the cicada, but the oriole is behind! Trey Hillis passed through Marion, but he certainly didn't expect it to be so safe. Plus, the complementary defense feels great; you can see him in every corner of the court. This guy runs hard, his defense covers the entire half-court!" Williams once again announced that everything between Su Feng and Hillis was just a farce. Dallas's number one was in good shape and full of energy. If you said such a person had been in bed with a famous lady yesterday, Williams wouldn't believe it.

Who doesn't have women? So they knew that Su Feng was not in a state to be playing with women overnight.

"It’s incredible that the Blazers' shot was destroyed again. He is the best defensive player I have ever seen, except for Devin!" On the other side, ESPN commentator Mike Breen also used words of praise for Su Feng.

On the court, Trey Hillis was very frustrated after his shot was destroyed by his opponent. But his stifling could only be buried in his heart, because Su Feng's block was clean and tidy, leaving Hillis unable to find any fault.

The Blazers sent the ball in with Robert Hillis, and Hillis, standing in front of him, suddenly ran back for a three-pointer. Clearly, these two guys wanted to run a three-point tactic.

Although Robert Hillis's IQ wasn't very high, his basketball IQ was also outstanding among his teammates. He understood Hillis's meaning and immediately scored after his teammate hit a three-pointer.

Cosine had a broad vision and quite accurate passing. At this point, Marion, who had been defending Hillis, was delayed by Hickson's off-the-ball screen. If Hillis could get the ball, he would have a chance for a three-pointer!

Unfortunately, Hillis failed again at the "getting the ball" step!

Just as Hillis was preparing to receive the ball and shoot directly, a blue-and-white figure suddenly flew in front of him, between him and the ball.

The visitor reached out and grabbed the ball, slipping past Hillis. Hillis's pant leg was rolled up by a gust of wind. He turned around immediately, but Su Feng, who had stolen the ball, had gone a long way!

Subsequently, Su Feng scored with an alley-oop pass from Haywood. At this moment, Williams didn't even think this was a top-tier game.