Chapter 52: It's On, Buddy

Chapter 64 Begins, Brothers

Su Feng’s basket only put the Cleveland Cavaliers up by three, but it sent a clear message in two ways.

First, by the end of the second quarter, Su Feng had already scored 10 points—so much for that so-called rookie wall theory. Second, putting William Adams Miller, with his enhanced reputation, on Su Feng was a defensive liability! If the Trail Blazers wanted to win, they’d have to switch defenders on Su Feng.

So Coach Nate McMillan called a timeout and benched William Adams Miller. The anticipated showdown ended awkwardly, casting a shadow over Miller.

The “Yellow Mamba” hung his head. Harsh reality forced number eight to unclench his fists.

Su Feng’s stellar performance forced the coach to substitute William Adams Miller again. Injuries are daunting for anyone, even the resilient Miller.

After McMillan replaced Wesley Matthews, Kobe Bryant also gave Jason Kidd a breather and put DeShawn Stevenson back in to contain Matthews.

Su Feng returned to point guard, continuing to orchestrate the offense. Under his direction, none of the Cavaliers stood out as a dominant scorer, but everyone contributed.

On the Blazers’ side, Frenchman Batum’s consecutive baskets and Aldridge’s brilliance kept them firmly in the game.

At halftime, the Cavaliers led by five, heading into the locker room. William Adams Miller, benched in the second quarter, had no chance to play. Though the team needed him in the second half, the Yellow Mamba had lost his fighting spirit.

“Charles, he tallied 12 points and 5 assists in the first half—much better than the previous two games. Do you think he’ll be the key to the outcome in the second half?” Players get a halftime break, but commentators don’t pause for a moment. Kenny Smith scanned the stats for both teams. Aside from Aldridge, Su Feng’s 12 points were the highest so far. Moreover, he hadn’t forced the offense. If Kobe lets this guy loose in the second half, who knows how many points he’ll rack up.

“I don’t know, Kenny. Coach Kobe may focus the offense on himself or Dirk in the second half. The Cavaliers play team basketball—anyone can step up. What I do know is, those who claimed he’d hit the rookie wall are busy figuring out how to justify themselves now. Will his points stay in single digits? What a joke!” For the first time, Barkley realized how refreshing it was to watch someone else eat their words.

Meanwhile, in the home locker room at the American Airlines Center, Kobe Bryant was at the tactical whiteboard, drawing lines and plays one after another.

“Dirk is being targeted by the opponent; he won’t get many chances in the second half. Also, I want you to integrate into the entire offensive scheme, using screens and movement to create space—pass it to the open man! Jason, same for you; distribute the ball more and be patient on offense. Don’t let the offense break down. The other team is playing well too. Whoever can’t score in crunch time loses!” Kobe forcefully wiped the whiteboard with his marker.

Su Feng nodded silently. In the third quarter, he would lead ahead of Kidd and set the tone for the half.

No matter the damn media, nor Andre Miller, nor his former idol William Adams Miller, nor the formidable Wesley Matthews—they all had to be defeated!

Mulan’s camera was always aimed at the entrance to the player tunnel. Five minutes before the second half, someone in a Cavaliers tracksuit and a cap dashed out. Mulan reflexively pressed the shutter. Naturally, Su Feng was the first to appear.

“Looks like tonight’s show will be spectacular; this guy won’t ignore the media noise. He’s not talkative, but that doesn’t mean he’ll let others misunderstand him. Pay attention, Kenny! Tonight’s ‘hitting the wall’ performance is brilliant!” Barkley’s voice echoed across the nation. Now, those experts who disliked Su Feng had become public enemies.

Since the first quarter belonged to the Blazers, they started the third. Though the old Miller hadn’t contributed much offensively, Su Feng’s defense was intense. His duel with William Adams Miller ignited the entire arena. Miller may have failed to lead his teammates, but he certainly motivated his opponent.

Su Feng’s relentless pressure made it hard for the vet to initiate offense, so he reluctantly passed to Matthews. Matthews’ pull-up jumper was disrupted by Stevenson and missed.

Once King Noah grabbed the rebound, Marcus Camby immediately pressed up. Camby was well-positioned, denying Dirk any easy entry pass, with the “Champion” always lurking under the basket.

Dirk was double-teamed by two big men, unable to move. He had to pass it out to the perimeter.

As Dirk gave up the ball, Su Feng suddenly burst forward, darting out to catch the pass.

Dirk didn’t hesitate—he lobbed it high, threading it between Camby’s raised arms.

Seeing this, William Adams Miller tried to intercept, but Su Feng—like the “Yellow Mamba”—secured the ball firmly. Miller could only regret he couldn’t leap as high as before.

Receiving the ball at the left baseline mid-range, Su Feng didn’t hesitate—he drove straight to the rim. Miller, just landing, felt the soreness in his legs and couldn’t react in time.

So, Miller could only watch helplessly as Su Feng slashed to the basket.

Camby instantly abandoned Dirk to help and leapt up to contest. Yet Su Feng didn’t go straight up—he glided under the rim and, as he slipped to the other side, softly banked it in.

After a tough possession, Su Feng stood tall, helping the Cavaliers score again while Dirk was stymied. The battle between Miller and Su Feng inadvertently became the highlight for everyone.

Miller was more motivated than the entire Blazers’ first quarter. After all, he now had confidence and a rival he desperately wanted to beat.

When someone with a strong ego meets these two forces, they don’t back down easily.

Miller’s energetic runs nearly brought Blazers fans to tears in front of their TVs. They could hardly believe the once-invincible “Yellow Mamba” might be revived.

Miller ran off a screen again, and old Miller was glad to help the “cursed child” find his groove. But this time, as Miller caught the ball and turned, he found Su Feng right there, arms extended, inching closer. This time, the “Yellow Mamba” didn’t lose Su Feng—his focus never wavered from that black number 8 jersey.

“Damn!” Miller roared, but Su Feng quickly doused his fire. Number eight’s focus faded as he tried a few threatening moves with the ball, unwilling to give up the isolation.

Su Feng’s eyes were unwavering, his focus absolute. He wasn’t fooled by Miller’s feints, and his tight defense felt almost cruel to Blazers fans.

It was, indeed, somewhat merciless. Even though Su Feng admired number 8, he wished for his recovery before the injury. But as Miller’s opponent, he couldn’t show mercy. It would be a disservice to his teammates and his team.

Seeing only a few inches of space, Miller simply powered up a strong drive. Su Feng wasn’t as physically strong, but Miller’s injured legs had lost much of their explosiveness.

The “Yellow Mamba” forced his way to the hoop, but under Su Feng’s outstretched arms, the contested layup didn’t fall—it rimmed out.

Frustrated, Miller gritted his teeth, hoping to grab the offensive rebound. He shoved the boxed-out Su Feng aside and leapt, but the referees missed it.

As Miller snatched the rebound, Blazers fans cheered, but the whistle blew—offensive foul on Miller, Cavaliers’ ball.

“Damn!” Miller wanted to roar, not at Su Feng, but at his own body. Now he couldn’t even overpower Su Feng—a guard not known for physicality. His body no longer felt like his own.

Su Feng’s tenacious defense shattered Blazers fans’ illusions—the guy wasn’t coming back. The Master of Rose City might never return.

Soon after, Su Feng faced Miller again. With no pick, Su Feng suddenly accelerated, just a step beyond Miller’s reach.

Miller knew he had to stop the point guard. His mind reacted, but his legs couldn’t. His lateral quickness was now not much better than old Miller’s.

Seeing Su Feng drive again, Camby rotated early. Camby’s help meant Dirk was finally free from double teams.

After the steal, Su Feng hit full throttle and sprinted ahead!

DeRozan was the first to recover, determined to make up for his turnover with defense.

They entered the paint nearly side by side. Su Feng leaned into DeRozan, fighting for space on the layup. But his own frail body didn’t knock DeRozan off, and his balance was thrown off.

Realizing he was falling, Su Feng lofted the ball high off the glass as he landed lightly on his feet.

It was an arcing shot, beyond even DeRozan’s leaping reach.

As Su Feng hit the floor, the ball glanced off the backboard and fell through the net. The Air Canada Centre fell silent—the Cavaliers’ bench erupted.

“Beautiful high-banking shot, smart move. He’s faced physical challenges all night, so he’s using his skill to make up for it. The deficit’s down to eight—this is a wake-up call for the Raptors!” Cavaliers’ commentator Weber didn’t know how Su Feng was still playing with a fever, or how he could shoot so accurately off-balance. But he knew one thing—Su Feng could create miracles!

With 2:12 left, the difference was now single digits. DeRozan bit his lip—he knew the next attack had to be his.

So, DeRozan became very aggressive in the next possession, running tirelessly, moving without the ball, working with teammates to get open.

One more basket would push the lead back to ten and steady the Raptors.

Lowry watched DeRozan’s cuts, worried he’d miss the perfect pass window. But that focus made him lose track of Su Feng.

Even feverish, Su Feng was the league’s second-best ball thief among guards.

Just as Lowry prepared to swing the ball, Su Feng suddenly darted in, poked the ball away with precision!

Lowry tried to recover, but lost his balance and fell.

Su Feng sprinted ahead with the ball. Lowry, sprawled on the floor, could only watch the taillights.

Reaching the paint, Su Feng exploded for a dunk!

Everyone was stunned—he could actually dunk! Though it lacked his usual elevation and power, seeing the soft-spoken Su Feng erupt so suddenly was electrifying.

Su Feng raised his arm, flexing with all his might! Dirk and others ran over for high-fives, teeth clenched in excitement! With Su Feng on the court, the whole team’s blood was boiling!

Only six points left—a minute to go!

“Stop him! Don’t let him score so easily!” Raptors coach Dwane Casey was nervous, yelling at his players, but the fear in his voice couldn’t be masked.

When DeRozan faced Tony Allen again, the defensive specialist—who had been dominated all night—suddenly seemed transformed. His eyes blazed as if he wanted to devour his opponent.

That’s the impact of Su Feng—not only could he score, but he made his teammates better, raising their morale.

Faced with this Tony Allen, even DeRozan faltered. Under that pressure, his shot was blocked.

Gobert, fired up, boxed out Valanciunas and snatched the rebound with authority.

Su Feng quickly advanced past the three-point line, dribbling at high frequency, signaling a drive. Lowry, wary, backed up to avoid getting burned.

But Su Feng suddenly pulled up for a jumper! Lowry, startled, reached to contest, but Su Feng’s lightning-quick release was already in motion—Lowry’s hand only managed to touch thin air!

“Impossible…” Raptors fans watched the ball, holding their breath, but the ball swished through the net—Su Feng had hit a three!

Wow! My God! This is insane! Three straight baskets—nine points in a row—Cavaliers fans were delirious. The deficit was down to three!

Coach Dwane Casey used his last timeout, incredulous. Even sick, Su Feng had done the impossible.