Chapter 154: Great... Tactic

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Wade Dong brought another thrilling performance for Chinese basketball fans.

According to Chinese tradition, the second day of the Lunar New Year is when married couples, especially newlyweds, visit the wife's parents.

For example, Xiao Wu had just gotten married. Early in the morning, he and his wife drove to his in-laws' house.

Xiao Wu's wife, Xiao Shu, was an only child.

The couple arrived at Xiao Shu's parents' house at 8 AM. "Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. May you both live long and prosperous lives."

"Good, good!"

Xiao Shu's parents were also very happy and gave red envelopes to Xiao Wu and Xiao Shu.

After receiving the red envelopes, Xiao Shu said, "Dad, Mom, the Suns and Lakers game is about to start. I'll watch the game for a bit and then help you with the cooking."

"No rush."

Xiao Shu's father waved his hand. "You watch the game first, and then play a few rounds of chess with me later."

"Sure thing!"

Xiao Wu agreed.

After turning on the TV, Wade Dong's scoring performance began.

"Great shot!!!"

"East God is amazing!"

"Damn! That's impressive!"

From the start of the game, Xiao Wu couldn't tear himself away from the TV. Every time Wade Dong scored a three-pointer, Xiao Wu cheered loudly.

At 10 AM, Xiao Shu came over and urged, "Xiao Wu, either go play chess with my dad or help my mom with the cooking. Don't just sit there watching TV."

"Just a moment, just a moment."

Xiao Wu impatiently replied, "East God is on fire today. I can't miss his performance."

Xiao Shu said, "You can watch the replay later."

"You're not a real fan."

Xiao Wu said, "Watching the replay isn't the same."

Xiao Shu knew that Xiao Wu was a basketball fan, even though he couldn't play, he loved watching games.

But she felt that, on their first visit to her parents' house after getting married, Xiao Wu should be more attentive instead of just watching TV. She sternly said, "Get up now, or I'll have to use my martial arts on you!"

"Xiao Shu, don't rush him."

Xiao Shu's father was very understanding and walked over to ask Xiao Wu, "Is Wade Dong playing in the Suns and Lakers game?"

Xiao Wu was a bit surprised and turned his head. "Dad, you know Wade Dong?"

"Of course, I do. The young people at my workplace talk about him all the time."

Xiao Shu's father chuckled. "Wade Dong helped the Chinese men's basketball team win their first Olympic gold medal. He's a hero for Chinese basketball."

"So, Dad is a basketball fan too."

Xiao Wu laughed. With his father-in-law also interested in basketball, he wouldn't be scolded by his wife for watching the game.

Xiao Shu's father shook his head. "I don't understand basketball, but I can watch it with you."

"Sure thing!"

Xiao Wu quickly made room for Xiao Shu's father and said, "The fourth quarter is about to start. After the game, I'll play chess with you."

...

The fourth quarter began.

Seeing Wade Dong back on the court, Kobe also signaled to the coach to substitute him in.

He couldn't sit still any longer!

The Lakers were only down by 7 points, and the outcome was still uncertain. But if he stayed on the bench, the Lakers would be further from victory.

"Get out of the way!"

As soon as Kobe entered the game, he pushed Metta World Peace aside. "I'll guard Wade Dong."

Metta World Peace was known as a tough defender, but after guarding Wade Dong for three quarters, he had allowed Wade Dong to score 70 points.

Wade Dong saw Kobe guarding him and smiled. "Idol, I told you I would break your 81-point record."

"If you lose the game, even scoring 100 points would be a disgrace."

Kobe coldly replied.

On Wade Dong's first offensive possession, Kobe stuck to him like glue. When Wade Dong attempted a turnaround jumper, Kobe's fingertips touched the ball, causing it to miss.

Kobe's defensive ability was indeed superior to Metta World Peace's.

Of course, it was impossible for Kobe to completely stop Wade Dong. Even with an open shot, without using any lucky potions, Wade Dong couldn't guarantee a 100% shooting percentage. So, having one shot blocked by Kobe didn't bother him.

Moreover, after that shot, the Lakers started double-teaming Wade Dong!

They couldn't let Wade Dong have easy scoring opportunities. He had already scored enough points tonight.

The Lakers were on offense. Kobe and Howard executed a pick-and-roll, with Howard finishing with a dunk.

As Nash dribbled the ball, Wade Dong, without the ball, attracted the Lakers' double-team defense. The Lakers' head coach realized his tactical mistake. If they didn't double-team Wade Dong, he could single-handedly destroy the Lakers.

However, double-teaming Wade Dong also gave Nash an opportunity, and he scored on a layup.

98:105!!!

The Lakers were still down by 7 points.

Kobe, guarded by Wade Dong, attempted several aggressive moves but couldn't shake off Wade Dong's defense.

"Airtight defense."

Kobe's expression grew serious. He had never felt this way before, but now it was clear that Wade Dong could see through his every move.

What Kobe didn't know was that Wade Dong had been practicing his talents during the offseason and in the team's internal scrimmages. With the Suns winning over 30 games this season, Wade Dong's talent points were abundant. Exchanging all of Kobe's skills didn't bother him.

Moreover, compared to Kobe, although they were the same height, Wade Dong had larger hands and a longer wingspan. His static talents were slightly better than Kobe's.

As for dynamic talents, there was no comparison. Wade Dong's dynamic talents were maxed out.

Facing Wade Dong's perfect defense, Kobe failed to score on several consecutive possessions. Meanwhile, Nash led the Suns in extending their lead.

With 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the score was 104:117. The Suns had extended their lead to 13 points.

The Lakers called a timeout.

Coach Gold simultaneously said to the players, "The Lakers will increase their aggressiveness on offense. On defense, they won't just focus on Wade Dong."

"Yes."

The Suns players nodded in agreement, listening to Coach Gold's tactical explanation.

Coach Gold paused and said, "So, when we get back on the court, Wade Dong, you need to hit four consecutive three-pointers. This way, even if the Lakers score, we can extend the lead to over 20 points, and the game will enter garbage time."

"Great... tactic!"

Sometimes, Coach Gold's tactics were quite peculiar!

After the timeout, Wade Dong continued to guard Kobe. Kobe scored on a turnaround jumper over Wade Dong.

However, when it was the Suns' turn to attack, Wade Dong received a pass from Nash two steps behind the three-point line and shot a three-pointer.

"Swish!!!"

The ball went through the net.

The Lakers were on offense again. Gasol's layup was blocked by Gortat.

Wade Dong grabbed the rebound and quickly dribbled past half-court. Two steps behind the three-point line, he shot another three-pointer.

"Swish!!!"

The ball went through the net again.

And then...

"Swish!!!"

"Swish!!!"

Wade Dong hit two more consecutive three-pointers.

By hitting four consecutive three-pointers, Wade Dong perfectly executed Coach Gold's tactic.