Chapter 34: Beautiful

Chapter 46: Beautiful

At last, when number 24, Kobe Bryant, the guard, stepped onto the court, Su Feng felt as if the roar from the stands nearly burst his eardrums. He had to admit, this was the most electrifying player introduction ceremony he had ever experienced. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ official intention was clear: to keep piling the psychological pressure on the Houston Rockets through this fiery spectacle.

Finally, the lights returned, and both teams’ players were in position. Although Su Feng sat on the bench, his heart was pounding relentlessly. To play in the top league, facing the Los Angeles Cleveland Cavaliers, had been a dream—now, it was reality!

“Hello everyone, and welcome to the league. This is the top league! I’m Su Feng. Beside me is my partner, Jeff Van Gundy. The Western Conference powerhouse showdown is about to begin. Jeff, what do you think is the key for the Houston Rockets to win tonight?” Mike Breen’s voice always felt familiar; after all, it was his commentary you heard when playing NBA 2K games.

As Mike Breen asked the question, the league’s director immediately panned the camera to Nowitzki, displaying his hidden stats from yesterday on the screen. Clearly, the director assumed Van Gundy would say Nowitzki’s performance would be the key to victory for the Rockets, so he matched the shot accordingly.

Yet Van Gundy seemed “uncooperative.” As soon as he spoke, the director had to cut the shot.

“Without a doubt, the Houston Rockets are going to win this game. Their backup at the two is insufficient. Even though Terry has been playing the two, we all know how much he struggles on defense. So tonight, there’s no question, we’re going to see a direct matchup with William Adams Miller. How he handles Kobe will be the focal point and the key to this game!” His “quirky” style contrasted with the more academic approach of the league’s broadcasts, where the analysis was always meticulous and comprehensive.

As Van Gundy spoke, the referees prepared for the tip. He pushed up his glasses.

The referee blew the whistle, and Bynum was first to get a fingertip to the basketball, giving the Cavaliers the initial possession.

The “Old Fish,” Fisher, began to move slowly, and everyone on Cleveland, including Kobe, instantly sprang into action. People often said Kobe was the lone wolf, but actually, William Adams Miller didn’t dominate the ball much; he simply had more license to create. So Kobe wasn’t in a hurry to take possession but kept running to find his chance.

Fisher paused outside the three-point line, not passing to Kobe but instead looking for Pau Gasol, the big Spaniard eager to make his mark.

Terry sped up, stretching his arms to prevent Gasol from making the entry pass to Kobe. As the “hub” in the triangle offense, Gasol’s midrange game was deadly. Terry dared not relax. If Kobe got the ball, the defense was already half-beaten.

Unexpectedly, the Spaniard didn’t pass but instead retreated a big step. He wanted to go one-on-one!

After two tough steps, Gasol spun for a hook shot. Dirk tried to contest, but the Spaniard’s soft touch helped him score.

Right from the start, Cleveland scored in the paint with authority. This was also Phil Jackson’s calculated plan: to pressure Nowitzki from the very first second!

“It’s alright. Be patient on offense!” Kobe didn’t lose his composure after missing a shot. He shouted from the sideline to Kidd, hoping the team could find two points in response.

Phil Jackson sought Gasol in the opening play, and Kobe chose to go inside.

After Kidd set up, the ball finally made it safely to Nowitzki. It was clear that when Dirk had the ball, Bynum was ready to help under the basket, but he wouldn’t blindly collapse. Frankly, Jackson was fine with Nowitzki shooting from outside. Whether he overestimated Gasol’s defense or simply underestimated the German, it was hard to say.

Nowitzki’s basketball IQ was naturally high. If he tried to attack the rim, he’d have no chance against Cleveland’s twin towers. So he stepped back, pulling Gasol’s balance with him, then suddenly faded for a jump shot.

Su Feng, watching from the bench, had his eyes on the ball. Mid-flight, he gently shook his head.

A clang sounded through Staples Center—today, it wasn’t Kobe, but Dirk who bricked the shot.

Everyone believed Su Feng’s greatest strength was his ability to drive—whether attacking the basket or scoring on the move, his success hinged on that first step.

When Su Feng saw Fisher trying to fight around Dirk, he suddenly stopped, braked, and retreated beyond the arc.

The usually calm “Zen Master” instantly opened his eyes. This was the first thing he’d worried about all day. Su Feng’s move was difficult to anticipate.

A fake drive and a feint completely shook Fisher. Su Feng pulled back, soared at the top of the arc, and launched an open three-pointer.

“He’s going to step back for three?” Mike Breen’s tone was doubtful; he didn’t believe Su Feng would choose that shot.

In the past two games, Su Feng had taken five three-pointers. Even with so few attempts, his percentage was zero—he hadn’t made a single one.

But Nowitzki smiled. No one knew how many threes this guy had practiced after their loss to the Grizzlies.

Su Feng released the ball with a gentle flick. Kobe turned, eyes tracking the descent.

“Damn…” Kobe was ready to curse, but in the next instant, the ball swished through the net.

“Damn… great shot!” With the three-pointer good, Kobe suddenly raised his arm and shouted!

“It’s in! What a surprise! Oh my, and he hit it right in Fisher’s face from beyond the arc! Coming into the game, he delivers a direct blow to the Cavaliers—this guy is really something!” Mike Breen’s passion and Su Feng’s three-pointer instantly set the game ablaze.

Nowitzki applauded enthusiastically for Su Feng. He was the only one who knew just how hard Su Feng had worked. While others complained about losing, Su Feng poured sweat into making sure he’d never lose again.

“Your shooting is as accurate as your extra practice!” The German ruffled Su Feng’s hair.

Su Feng didn’t answer, just spread his arms, lowered his stance, and readied himself to stop the purple and gold attack.

Kobe saw the seriousness in Su Feng’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled slightly. The first move was interesting…

“Ye’s response is fierce—right away, he gives the Cavaliers a taste of their own medicine. Now the gap is down to six. Kobe calls for the ball from Fisher. Is he going one-on-one?” As Su Feng’s three-pointer fell, Van Gundy immediately noticed how much more aggressive Kobe became. Like Su Feng, William Adams Miller thrived in high-pressure moments—the more intense it got, the more excited he was.

When the “Black Mamba” encountered a worthy opponent, his fangs came out!

After crossing half-court, Fisher passed to Kobe. Pau Gasol wanted to come up for a handoff, but Kobe waved him off, sending the Spanish tower back to the paint.

Terry was already drenched in sweat. The unruly “old man” never backed down from anybody, but there was no way he could stop Kobe’s offense alone.

William Adams Miller made three threat moves with the ball. Terry’s balance was slightly off, and number 24 exploded with power in his calves, suddenly accelerating to the rim.

At thirty-two, Kobe Bryant didn’t rely on outright speed—his drives were best described as deliberate, unhurried.

His footwork was steady, his rhythm flawless, but not quick.

As William Adams Miller reached the free-throw line, number 24 shifted his stance toward the hoop and began to back down his defender.

“Damn!” Terry knew all too well how skilled Miller was in isolation. Su Feng saw it too; he was the closest one to Miller besides Terry, and naturally, he came over to help.

Before Su Feng and Terry could form a double-team, Kobe gave a quick shoulder shimmy, jumped, and released the ball! Terry and Su Feng had no chance to contest—the beautiful fadeaway was out of their reach.

Thus, with both defenders jumping to contest, William Adams Miller made a breathtaking shot. Everyone marveled at Kobe’s ability, as if he could control the ball with a remote from anywhere in Staples Center.

This time, William Adams Miller faced no opposition, but Su Feng still felt his power—a man who could score whenever he wanted.

“Move!” Kobe didn’t celebrate, just clapped his hands forcefully, reminding his teammates to get back on defense. He seemed to know how fast Su Feng could turn the tables.

Even though Su Feng had just hit a spectacular three, William Adams Miller’s tougher answer helped Cleveland regain control.

Urged on by Kobe, the Cavaliers’ defense quickly fell into place, and Su Feng had to slow the pace and match them possession by possession.

“The managers’ conflicting strategies are colliding. Soon, the fans’ shouts ended the timeout. Harden sat on the bench, a bit dejected—not that he’d made a mistake, but collaborating with the Cavaliers’ backcourt came with a price. With Sefolosha on William Adams Miller, I believe the Thunder’s defense will only get stronger.

William Adams Miller understood this was trouble for the Thunder. Instead of forcing another drive, he kicked it out to Durant for a chance at a deep three.

As usual, Durant caught the ball and let it fly. But this time, Peja—with equal height and wingspan—disrupted his rhythm!

Durant tried to shoot early to avoid the block. As the ball bounced off the front rim, both Ibaka and Nowitzki leaped and touched it, but neither secured the rebound.

The lively Peja tipped the ball away and collected it. Turning, he handed it off to Su Feng—Thunder’s attack was completely foiled.

Su Feng pushed the ball upcourt, with Terry sprinting madly down the left. Halfway up, Su Feng kept his eyes locked on Terry—setting up his trademark play.

The Swiss Army knife behind Terry was lurking for a chance to steal, but don’t confuse me with Harden—he can only attack, not defend! Su Feng

Su Feng gestured toward Terry, Sefolosha accelerated, arms wide, ready to intercept. Yet the ball didn’t go to Terry, but shot off in the opposite direction, toward Peja!

“Haha, there aren’t many in this league who can pass with that kind of wrist action!” Kenny Smith didn’t need to see a replay to know what happened. It was obvious that the pass was meant for Terry—but how did it end up in the opposite direction?

In fact, Su Feng changed the motion of his wrist at the last second. It looked as if he was passing to Terry, but the ball was sent the other way.

Kidd saw the pass and was so excited he nearly ran onto the court. This kid’s game was as practical as it was beautiful!

Such an unreasonable pass shocked the Thunder. The focused Peja caught it cleanly, stopped, and launched a three.

Durant had no idea how the ball got to his side. By the time he reacted, Stojakovic had already released it.

Durant spun back in desperation, but there was no miracle—the shot was good. The Houston Rockets had taken the lead with another three-pointer. Bear in mind, in the first quarter, their three-point shooting had been at zero.

Peja’s basket left the young Thunder even more bewildered. William Adams Miller signaled Ibaka to inbound quickly, hoping to strike right back.

It was a good idea to score fast, but he overlooked one thing: defenders are always calmer than attackers.

William Adams Miller rushed up the court, seeing only the basket and the three-point gap, oblivious to everything around him.

Suddenly, he felt the ball slip from his control! He looked down—an arm had reached from behind, poking it away. Su Feng.

Su Feng had been lying in wait, and Miller was totally unprepared. Su Feng cleanly stole the ball from behind, and before the crowd could react, he was already sprinting down the court alone.

The offensive transition happened in an instant. No one on the Thunder besides Miller could react in time. Even as Westbrook turned to chase, Su Feng was already out of reach.

In the Western Conference semifinals, the zero-guard once scored forty in a game, but now he could only trail after Su Feng, watching as number one took flight, twisted his body mid-air with core strength, and threw down a thunderous two-handed reverse dunk!

Landing, Su Feng pounded his chest—a celebration he cherished most.

Passing by Westbrook, Su Feng’s eyes said it all: Today, I will defeat you!

14-2. The Houston Rockets, with a ferocious offensive run, had the young Thunder completely overwhelmed.

This was the American Airlines Center, the burial ground for the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Want to win here? First, weigh yourself—see if you’re heavy enough.

14-2. The young Thunder were utterly humiliated by this offensive outburst. Even if Houston’s threes wouldn’t fall, Su Feng could always find his way to the rim.

William Adams Miller reluctantly walked to the basket, picked up the ball, and slammed it to the floor. Had the referee been less tolerant, it could have cost him a technical.

But Miller’s reaction was so intense that his opponents...