Chapter 543: Coach Wei Goes Online

With Wade Dong's return and a decisive victory in the third game, this series has effectively come to a close; no one believes the Trail Blazers can win even one game against the Suns anymore.

At the post-game press conference, Wade Dong appeared with sleepy eyes.

A reporter asked, "Dong, why didn't you appear on the court in the second half?"

"I still have a foot injury and was doing therapy," Wade Dong casually made up a reason.

"What?!"

The reporter was surprised. "Dong, were you playing injured in this game?"

"Sort of!" 

"Playing injured and still scoring 37 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the first half," the reporter exclaimed in shock, already thinking about his news article. He advised, "Fans are eager to see you back on the court but would prefer that you don't play while injured to avoid any career-threatening issues."

Wade Dong nodded gratefully. "Thank you all for your concern."

The Suns' players stifled their laughter; dealing with the media required Wade Dong's charm—just a casual remark from him could stir up concern among many.

Playing while injured is quite common for superstars, especially in the playoffs, but Wade Dong's performance of scoring 37 points while nursing an injury is not something one sees every day.

If the reporters knew the truth... that Wade Dong was merely tired and had stayed in the locker room to catch up on sleep, they might think differently.

...

As the second round of playoffs began, the Lakers and Spurs were tied at 1-1. This year's playoffs saw one player quietly emerging as a star—Kawhi Leonard!

After Duncan's retirement, Leonard took on the mantle for the Spurs. If this trend continues, his agent might be making moves next season.

Gentry had also been keeping an eye on Spurs games and finally understood why every time they faced off against San Antonio, Wade Dong focused his defense on Leonard; it might have been Wade's influence that delayed Leonard's breakout by a year or two.

Of course, these matters were of no concern to Wade Dong.

What he cared about now was winning just one more game against the Trail Blazers so he could have at least a week of rest before heading back home!

...

Suns vs. Trail Blazers, Playoff Round 2 Game 4.

Before the game started,

Wade Dong told Feng Yuxiu, "Have Xiao Wu arrange it so that after we finish this game, we can head back home immediately."

"Okay!"

Feng Yuxiu nodded and moved aside to contact Luo Qingyan.

This game absolutely cannot be lost... They needed to end this series quickly since Wade Dong was eager to return home to see his child.

Starting Lineups:

- Trail Blazers: Lillard, Matthews, Afflalo, Aldridge, Gortat

- Suns: Curry, Wade Dong, Thompson, Green, Durant

As the game was about to start, Feng Yuxiu received a call from Luo Qingyan and reminded Wade Dong: "The earliest flight leaves in three hours. Luo Qingyan calculated that we need to leave for the airport at least an hour before."

"Are there any later flights?" 

"There are," Feng Yuxiu explained. "There's also a flight tomorrow morning or we could take Zifeng's private jet back home, but that requires approval from air traffic control. Even with some backdoor dealings, we wouldn't be able to leave until tomorrow."

"Not having transportation is really troublesome; I need to buy a private jet after this finals."

"Of course!" Feng Yuxiu laughed. "But with your salary in the league, maintaining a plane and flying back and forth between America and China is quite extravagant."

"I'm not just living off that salary."

"Should I tell Xiao Wu to book us on the earliest flight back home?"

"Sure!"

After finishing his conversation with Feng Yuxiu, Wade Dong walked over to his teammates. "Everyone give it your all; we need to expand our lead in the first half because I'm leaving after that."

"Huh?!"

Gentry asked confusedly. "Dong, you slept all day yesterday at the hotel; aren't you well-rested?"

"I'm fine; I just have something else I need to attend to."

"Alright then..."

Gentry could only suppress his curiosity and not ask further questions.

...

"Beep!!!"

With the referee's whistle signaling the start of the game,

Gortat and Durant jumped for possession; Gortat tapped the ball into Lillard's hands as he dribbled upcourt.

In the previous game, Wade Dong's sudden appearance caught the Trail Blazers off guard; this was also why they fell behind significantly. This time around, Stotts had adjusted his strategy.

Lillard patiently organized their offense.

Aldridge received the ball and faced Durant's defense; he opted for a low post move and scored with a hook shot after backing down into the paint.

2:0!!!

The Trail Blazers were calm and played with great patience.

Wade Dong's plan was simple: if there was a 30-point lead by halftime, he would go home. If not, he would rather change his flight to tomorrow morning just to ensure victory in this game.

The Suns attacked next.

Curry brought the ball upcourt and passed it to Wade Dong. As soon as he held onto it, he sensed tension throughout the entire Trail Blazers team.

Wade Dong signaled for his teammates to spread out; he wanted to isolate Lillard for a one-on-one matchup. Afflalo immediately came over to double-team him alongside Lillard. After last game's experience, Lillard finally realized how significant their skill gap was—Wade had barely tried during regular season games.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Wade Dong executed consecutive dribble moves with incredible rhythm that kept Lillard and Afflalo adjusting their defensive stances!

This gave Wade Dong an opportunity!

"Whoosh~!"

He accelerated through both defenders between them and jumped from just inside the free-throw line while performing two switch-hand layups in mid-air to evade Gortat's and Aldridge's blocks before scoring!

"Wow~!"

The Suns' bench erupted!

One against four! This showcased Wade Dong's ability! This play gave spectators the illusion that all they needed for offense was just Wade Dong alone.

"Defense! Defense! Defense!"

Wade Dong didn't dwell on this beautiful basket; instead he led by example as he quickly transitioned back on defense. To widen their lead further required more than just scoring—defense was crucial.

The Trail Blazers chose not to engage in a shootout with the Suns.

Wade Dong observed how Trail Blazers players positioned themselves; he pointed towards the left side of the free-throw line and signaled Curry with his eyes to pay attention there.

Lillard passed it over to Afflalo.

Aldridge had been battling with Green under the basket but quickly expanded outwards once Afflalo received it until he reached near that left free-throw line.

"Whoosh~"

Afflalo raised his hand and passed it back into Aldridge's hands.

However, Aldridge hadn't secured it when Curry suddenly appeared like a thief stealing away; he swiftly snatched it from Aldridge's grasp.

Aldridge looked bewildered—how did Curry end up here?