aircannonsinc Chapter 34 Correct Basketball
Chapter 34 Correct Basketball
Madison Square Garden, New York.
Knicks vs. Charlotte Bobcats.
If basketball has two extremes, then tonight's game was the most direct clash.
On one side is D'Antoni's "7-second fast break"; on the other side is Larry Brown's "24-second defense".
From the very start of the game, the Bobcats made their intention clear: to drag the game into a quagmire.
Every offensive possession, they would run the clock down to the very last second. On the defensive end, they used every possible tactic: zone defense, physical confrontation, delaying plays...
The person in charge of keeping an eye on Li Xiangbei was Gerald Wallace, who was known as "Elvis".
This guy with explosive physical abilities is like a mad dog.
"Don't even think about catching the ball!"
Wallace clung tightly to Li Xiangbei, pushing and pulling him repeatedly with both hands.
Li Xiangbei frowned slightly. This kind of defense was indeed disgusting, like playing basketball against a wrestler.
But he didn't rush to call a pick-and-roll, nor did he force a shot.
"Since you want to run, then I'll run with you."
Li Xiangbei began his signature off-ball movement. From the baseline, the midfield, to the top of the key... he used screens to constantly stop abruptly and make quick runs.
Wallace was able to keep up at first, but this kind of high-intensity shuttle run is extremely physically demanding.
Finally, a brief opening appeared.
Li Xiangbei used Randolph's broad body to block Wallace by half a body length.
Receive the ball, feint.
Wallace rushed over desperately to block the shot.
Li Xiangbei didn't shoot, but instead dribbled the ball sideways, completely shaking off the defender's center of gravity.
There was no one two meters in front of him.
This is the training level open space.
Adjust, jump, release.
"brush!"
It hit the target without fail.
Throughout the first quarter, Li Xiangbei didn't rely on a single sure-fire shot, scoring 8 points solely through positioning and fundamental skills. Although not many, his points were extremely efficient.
Larry Brown, his face ashen, roared at the players on the sidelines, "Stay with him!! Don't let him breathe!! Are you guys dead?!"
……
Middle of the third section.
Seeing that the score remained close and the Bobcats were getting a bit disorganized by the Knicks' fast pace, the Bobcats started to increase their intensity.
In another attack, Li Xiangbei attempted a cut. Gerald Wallace charged in from the side and slammed his shoulder into Li Xiangbei.
"Bang!"
Li Xiangbei was knocked out of bounds, even knocking over the GG sign.
This was clearly a malicious act, but referees in this era were lenient in their standards and only called a regular foul.
Boos erupted from the audience.
Li Xiangbei got up from the ground and dusted himself off.
He didn't complain to the referee, nor did he argue with Wallace. His eyes turned cold.
"Want to go for the hardcore? Fine."
Next round.
Li Xiangbei had the ball. Wallace remained very close, even blocking Li Xiangbei's eyes with his hand.
"Let's see how you throw!" Wallace growled.
Li Xiangbei did not dodge at all.
[Guaranteed credit limit: 1/6 (activated)]
He leaped straight up to meet that overwhelming hand.
Force it!
The basketball traced an extremely high arc in the air.
"brush!"
A direct hit to the face!
Wallace landed and stared at the basket in disbelief; he had clearly blocked it to the limit!
But it's not over yet.
Only thirty seconds had passed.
The Bobcats made an offensive error, and Li Xiangbei stole the ball and launched a counterattack. Although there was no fast break opportunity, he dribbled the ball just past half-court and faced Okafor, who had retreated to his defensive position.
[Guaranteed credit limit: 2/6 (activated)]
A super long-range three-pointer!
With two meters away from the three-point line, Li Xiangbei threw it!
The audience gasped in surprise.
"brush!"
Another crisp sound!
He sank two unreasonable three-pointers in a row!
The camera immediately panned to the luxurious VIP box on the sidelines.
Michael Jordan took off his sunglasses, leaned forward, and for the first time, a look of interest appeared on his usually expressionless face. He even nodded slightly.
When Li Xiangbei retreated to defense, he deliberately passed by the Bobcats' bench.
He looked at Larry Brown, who was still shouting, and said coldly:
"Coach, is this 'correct basketball'? Or... is scoring the only way to win?"
Larry Brown was so angry his beard was shaking, but he couldn't utter a single word.
……
The last 3 minutes of the fourth quarter.
Knicks 102:90 Bobcats
Despite leading by 12 points, the Bobcats are a tenacious team that could launch a comeback at any time if they aren't completely neutralized.
Li Xiangbei glanced at Jordan in the private room.
At this point, he still had four guaranteed winning chances left. He had refrained from using them earlier to save money and to prove his skills.
Now, it's time to show the real "circus performance".
Give me the ball.
Li Xiangbei took over the game.
Facing Wallace's defense, he took a large step back.
[Guaranteed to win: 3/6]
"brush!"
He intercepted Felton's pass and immediately hit a three-pointer without hesitation.
[Guaranteed to win: 4/6]
"brush!"
He faked a pass to the defender, making them stumble, and then pulled up for a jump shot.
[Guaranteed to win: 5/6]
"brush!"
In just one and a half minutes.
Three incredible three-pointers. A 9-0 run!
The point difference instantly widened to 21 points! The game was no longer in doubt!
Madison Square Garden erupted! 20,000 fans stood up and cheered!
After sinking his third three-pointer.
Li Xiangbei did not perform the throat-slitting ritual as usual, nor did he roar.
He turned around and looked towards the sidelines box. He was facing Michael Jordan.
Then, he made that move that basketball fans all over the world will never forget—
He spread his hands, shrugged, and looked helpless.
T-Jordan-style shrug!
That was the move Jordan made after hitting six three-pointers in the first half of the Finals.
At this moment, Li Xiangbei used this action to transcend time and space, paying homage to God and responding to God.
It's as if it's saying, "I want to miss, but it just keeps going in, there's nothing I can do."
Inside the private room.
Jordan paused for a moment.
Then, this basketball god suddenly burst into laughter, laughing so hard he almost fell over. He even stood up and applauded Li Xiangbei on the court.
This is God's approval!
Flashbulbs went off everywhere, capturing this historic moment.
……
competition is over.
The Knicks defeated the Bobcats 115-95.
This was a massacre, but also a complete victory for both old and new basketball philosophies.
Post-match interview.
The reporters were as excited as sharks that had smelled blood.
"Lee! Larry Brown said your playing style is like a circus act, what do you think?"
Li Xiangbei took the towel, wiped his sweat, and his eyes held the composure of a victor.
"If it's a circus."
Li Xiangbei smiled.
"Tonight I'm the animal tamer. And that lynx... is very obedient."
"Lee! You made that shrug at Jordan at the end! Was that a provocation?"
Li Xiangbei shook his head.
"No, that's a tribute."
He pointed in the direction of the private room.
"I just wanted to show Michael that young guys these days can make those kinds of shots too. And..."
Li Xiangbei blinked, and that arrogant air of his was back.
"My three-point shooting might be a little more accurate than his."
The entire audience of reporters burst into laughter. He's probably the only one in the entire league who would dare to joke about Jordan like that.