Chapter 529: Curry's Three-Pointers, Killing Without a Trace

After receiving the basketball, Wade Dong remarked, "I heard that in your country, playing serious defense is the greatest respect you can show?"

"Actually..."

Garnett hesitated for a moment, "You don't have to take it so seriously because I'm no longer your opponent."

"Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Wade Dong shrugged as if feeling guilty, dribbling to the three-point line for a jump shot!

"Swish!!!"

The basketball went through cleanly.

5:0!!!

This was the difference between the Suns and the Timberwolves.

Garnett was old, LaVine was still too young, and Rubio, Martin, and Love lacked leadership qualities to carry the team.

Timberwolves on offense.

Rubio drove and passed to Love beyond the three-point line. However, before Love could secure the ball, Curry suddenly appeared from behind him and stole it!

Gentry opened his thermos and took a sip of tea before saying to Warwick, "Curry's stealing ability has improved significantly over the past two years."

"Yeah!"

Warwick nodded. "Anyone who plays alongside Brother Dong will keep improving!"

"Have you improved?"

"Of course!"

Warwick replied confidently, "I'm a three-time champion; soon I'll be a four-time champion."

"Hmm..."

Gentry nodded seriously; only he understood Warwick's pride.

After successfully stealing the ball, Curry initiated a fast break and scored with a layup!

7:0!!!

The Suns started strong.

The Timberwolves' head coach was Saunders, who also served as the team president. However, Saunders had not made any significant impact as a coach.

Falling behind early,

Saunders didn't rush to call a timeout. One reason was that winning or losing didn't matter much for the Timberwolves; another was that it was still early in the game. Letting players adjust themselves on the court at this stage was more appropriate.

Rubio held the ball and attempted to break through but couldn't shake off Curry's defense. He had to pass it to LaVine.

LaVine received the ball, paused for rhythm, dribbled under his legs, and broke through from Durant's left side for a layup.

Gentry commented, "While that shot went in, the Timberwolves' overall offense lacks structure; that's why they rank near the bottom in the West."

"If you were coaching instead, things would definitely be different."

Warwick complimented Gentry.

"Stop talking nonsense!"

Gentry shot Warwick an eye roll pretending to be unhappy.

.....

23:9!!!

After 7 minutes into the first quarter, the Timberwolves hadn't even reached double digits while the Suns had already built a 14-point lead.

Some media outlets were already impatiently issuing news releases like "The Invincible Suns: 80 Wins in Regular Season" after seeing the Suns take an early lead.

On the Timberwolves' bench,

Saunders said, "I don't want anyone messing up Garnett's retirement game; everyone needs to focus on offense and defense."

"The Suns are gunning for 80 wins; they won't hold back at all."

Garnett paused before adding, "I don't demand we win this game, but even if we lose, let's do it with some dignity."

"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!"

Many players on the Timberwolves grew up idolizing Garnett. With him saying that, they became energized.

On the Suns' bench,

Gentry tightened his thermos cap. "Play hard! There are no weak teams in this league; plus it's Garnett's retirement game; we can't afford any slip-ups. We need to secure this win."

"Okay!"

The Suns were equally fierce as they took to the court.

Whiteside replaced Thompson; apart from that substitution, there were no further changes for the Suns.

Timberwolves on offense.

Garnett established position under the basket with Whiteside defending him. Garnett called for the ball.

"Bang!!!"

Receiving Rubio's pass, Garnett faked a turn and circled around to dunk from underneath!

23:11!!!

"Wolf King!"

"Wolf King!"

"Wolf King!"

A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd.

This was Garnett's third offensive attempt tonight; aside from his first being blocked by Wade Dong and another mid-range shot going in—this dunk brought his total to 4 points.

"You can't take him lightly!"

Wade Dong walked over and patted Whiteside on the back. "Even an aging Wolf King can still bite hard."

Garnett: "???"

Garnett was known as a trash-talking king but found himself at a loss against Wade Dong. Back when he played for the Celtics, Garnett had trash-talked Wade Dong only to see him achieve a quadruple-double at home against them—setting historical block records along with one game where Wade Dong blocked every player on Boston's roster including those who played only minutes off the bench.

Since then...

Garnett understood that true trash talk comes from strength!

Durant's mid-range shot was disrupted by Garnett's defense as Love grabbed a defensive rebound and quickly passed it to Rubio who initiated a fast break.

The Timberwolves were looking to gain momentum!

But the Suns wouldn't allow it; Wade Dong quickly got back on defense as Rubio tossed it over to LaVine. Even though LaVine noticed Wade Dong closing in fast, he still jumped from just inside the free-throw line for an attempt.

"Hmm..."

Wade Dong slowed down his steps; since LaVine had already taken off for his dunk attempt, he let him have this highlight reel moment.

At this point trying to block would likely result in a foul call against Wade Dong. Plus if LaVine lost his balance during such an aggressive move he could risk injury.

"Bang!!!"

LaVine successfully executed a dunk from just inside the free-throw line.

This wasn't unexpected; everyone knew he had that capability.

"Thanks, Brother Dong~"

After dunking LaVine didn't roar in celebration but instead turned to thank Wade Dong.

"No problem... That was impressive!"

Wade Dong gave LaVine a thumbs-up before casually returning up court readying himself for offense.

Before LaVine's dunk attempt, Wade Dong had been closing in on him but chose to slow down upon seeing LaVine's intent—this moment didn't go unnoticed by LaVine hence his gratitude towards Wade Dong.

23:13!!!

This timeout proved effective as the Timberwolves had scored four consecutive points—all coming from dunks!

"Beat the Suns!"

"Beat the Suns!"

"Beat the Suns!"

Even home fans felt hopeful about their Timberwolves now cheering with blind confidence.

Durant inbounded from baseline as Curry brought up court quickly and launched a three-pointer two steps beyond arc!

"Swish!!!"

The basketball went through cleanly again.

While LaVine's free-throw line dunk was spectacular, Curry's three-pointer struck without warning!