Chapter 31: Defeat

During the halftime break, in the locker room...

Nash sat quietly to the side. After analyzing the first half of the game, Coach Gentry looked at the determined Wade Dong and said, "Wade, the game against the Jazz next week is the most important. Don't push yourself too hard in this game."

"Coach, are you suggesting we give up this game?" Wade Dong understood Gentry's meaning and wasn't surprised.

Wade Dong was a perfectionist and craved victory, but he wasn't irrational. He acknowledged that Gentry's strategy made sense. The Suns' primary goal was to ensure the current roster remained healthy for the playoffs. A game that wasn't a must-win could be sacrificed if it meant avoiding injuries.

Gentry explained, "I'm not saying we should give up this game. What I mean is, if we lose this game, everyone should accept it calmly. After all, this is the NBA."

"I understand," Wade Dong said with a smile. "I'm not a sore loser, but the game isn't over yet."

Gentry was concerned that Wade Dong, who had never lost a game since entering the NBA, might be affected by a defeat.

The teammates remained silent. Wade Dong continued, "But our goal is the championship. We have to overcome the Thunder, and we've already beaten the top team in the West, the Spurs. We shouldn't fear the second-place Thunder."

...

The second half of the game began.

The Thunder wanted to capitalize on their momentum and defeat the Suns decisively. They continued with their strongest lineup, including the Thunder's Big Three.

Wade Dong started organizing the offense, but the team's shots were repeatedly disrupted. The Thunder's relentless attacks left the Suns struggling to defend. Wade Dong could only limit one player, leaving the other two free to score.

With three minutes left in the third quarter, the score was 51:82. The Thunder led by 30 points.

Gentry called a timeout, and after the break, Wade Dong and Hill did not return to the court. The Suns were preparing to concede the game.

Wade Dong's stats for the game were: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. This was the first time Wade Dong scored less than 30 points in a game since entering the NBA, and it was his first taste of defeat.

Wade Dong sat on the bench, his hoodie already on, and a towel covering his head. His expression was ice-cold.

Teammates came to console him, but Wade Dong preferred to be left alone to think about strategies. The Suns would inevitably face the Thunder again in the playoffs.

With the current roster, even with Nash back, defeating the Thunder would be extremely difficult. The Thunder had been a strong team in the West for the past three years, and their Big Three were formidable.

The league had become increasingly competitive, and defeating the Thunder with just one star player was nearly impossible. Last year, Nowitzki managed to do it, but he had a strong supporting cast.

The Suns' roster, apart from Nash and Wade Dong, was much weaker compared to last year's Mavericks. The Thunder's Big Three were no longer inexperienced, making a playoff victory against them even more challenging.

Despite the difficulties, Wade Dong was determined to try. He had waited ten years to prove himself. Moreover, Sar had promised him a top-tier contract if he won the Finals MVP.

...

After the game, the Suns players were disheartened. They were unenthusiastic about post-game interviews and quickly returned to the hotel to rest. They had another game against the Clippers the next night.

Wade Dong was video chatting with Li Jiajia. She knew about the loss but didn't console him. Instead, she talked about everyday life, showing her emotional intelligence. She understood that Wade Dong was strong and didn't need consolation for one loss.

As they were about to end the video call, Wade Dong received a call from Coach Gentry.

"Wade, are you asleep?"

"I'm about to sleep."

"There's a good restaurant near the hotel that serves Chinese food. Let's have a midnight snack."

"Coach, one loss doesn't mean much to me."

Wade Dong was speechless. He knew Gentry wasn't inviting him out of hunger but out of concern for his mental state.

Gentry laughed and explained, "Mainly, I'm hungry. You can treat me to a midnight snack. How about it?"

"Alright."

Wade Dong agreed, knowing that if he didn't go, Gentry would worry even more about his mental state.

He changed into casual clothes and left the hotel. Gentry was already waiting at the restaurant. Nash and Hill were also there, showing that they too were concerned about Wade Dong's mental state.

"Welcome..."

The doorman started to greet him but stopped mid-sentence when he recognized Wade Dong. "Are you Wade Dong?"

"Yes."

"Wow! A basketball star!"

The doorman excitedly asked, "Can you sign an autograph for me later?"

"No problem!"

Wade Dong smiled and nodded, then went to join Gentry.

Gentry, Nash, and Hill were sitting by the window with a menu on the table. Wade Dong sat down, and Gentry handed him the menu. "We haven't ordered yet. You can order for us."

Wade Dong saw it was a Sichuan restaurant and asked, "Can you handle spicy food?"

"We can manage."

"Alright..."

Wade Dong closed the menu and called the waiter. "Mapo tofu, twice-cooked pork, kung pao chicken, and fish-flavored shredded pork."

Gentry curiously asked, "You don't need to look at the menu?"

"No need."

Wade Dong cheerfully said, "You guys don't have much experience with Chinese food, so I'll order some of my favorites."

Gentry, Nash, and Hill were speechless.