Chapter 50: Iverson's Explosion

After Ginobili entered the game, the Spurs' perimeter offense became more potent.

The Spurs started to catch up, but just as they were about to tie the score, Nash hit a three-pointer, and Wade Dong scored two fadeaway jumpers to extend the lead.

With three and a half minutes left in the first quarter, Iverson replaced Nash.

Initially, when Wade Dong suggested that Iverson come off the bench, he meant for Iverson to be his backup. However, now the three of them are the main scoring threats on the perimeter.

Wade Dong is a versatile guard, while Iverson leans more towards being a scoring guard.

But Iverson's early career position was as a point guard, so these three can essentially fill any role on the guard line.

The Suns now ensure that two out of Wade Dong, Nash, and Iverson are on the court at all times, so it's not specifically clear whether Iverson is Wade Dong's backup or Nash's backup.

After entering the game, Iverson displayed an extremely strong offensive firepower!

Wade Dong switched to the role of a point guard, setting up Iverson for shots. However, on defense, Wade Dong remained a player who needed to be double-teamed. Leonard, still relatively inexperienced, struggled to defend Wade Dong one-on-one.

Parker, while guarding Iverson, deliberately taunted, "You're old now, the NBA is no longer your domain!"

"Haha..."

Iverson chuckled, then made a sharp move to shake off Parker and pulled up for a jump shot!

"Swish!!!"

The ball went straight through the net.

The arena DJ immediately shouted, "Iverson!!!"

This wasn't the end. On the Spurs' next possession, Iverson was guarding Parker, who is also known for his speed. After being shaken off by Iverson earlier, Parker felt a bit embarrassed and decided to take Iverson on one-on-one.

Iverson's eyes were fixed on the ball like a hawk. Just as Parker was about to make his move, Iverson swiftly stole the ball.

The ball flew out, and Iverson dove to grab it. Just as the crowd thought Iverson was about to fall, he used his strong core strength to stand up and quickly dribbled towards the frontcourt.

Parker chased after Iverson but couldn't catch up. Reaching the basket, Iverson leaped high and executed a folding dunk!!!

37:29!!!

Iverson scored four consecutive points, extending the lead to eight.

The home crowd erupted. They witnessed the spirit of the veterans. Hill dunked! Iverson dunked!

These two players, who seemed to be on the verge of retirement, proved they could still play for many more years.

"Awesome, idol!"

Wade Dong excitedly hugged Iverson.

Iverson finally smiled, feeling great about the dunk, but he pushed Wade Dong away, pretending to be angry, "Don't call me your idol~"

"Hahaha..."

Even the Suns' bench players laughed at this scene.

After a high-five, Wade Dong and Iverson ran back to the defensive end, ready to defend.

Next, the Suns players looked for Iverson after receiving the ball. Iverson seemed to have returned to his peak form, tearing apart the Spurs' defense single-handedly.

Wade Dong became a blue-collar worker, focusing on defense and rebounding.

On offense, Wade Dong drew the defense and then passed the ball to Iverson to finish. This strategy was very effective.

No one expected a veteran like Iverson, who hadn't played much in the past year and was on the verge of retirement, to perform so explosively.

The first quarter ended.

45:33!!!

The Suns led by 12 points. Iverson scored 12 points in three and a half minutes.

All of the Suns' points in the last three and a half minutes came from Iverson.

...

The second quarter began, and Gentry did not put Nash back in the game.

He kept Wade Dong and Iverson, the golden backcourt duo, on the court. Iverson's hot hand made the game much simpler.

The Spurs' attempts to rally were extinguished by Iverson's offensive firepower.

In fact, compared to the balanced Spurs, the Suns have a clear weakness: their weak interior defense. This was one of the reasons Duncan was able to dominate in the previous game.

However, if the perimeter players are on fire, the weak interior defense doesn't matter much.

A red-hot Iverson combined with Wade Dong is undoubtedly the strongest scoring backcourt in the league, and it's not an exaggeration to call them the strongest duo.

This season, there are several strong scoring duos in the league, such as Westbrook and Durant of the Thunder, and James and Wade of the Heat. Even these duos can't match the scoring ability of a peak Iverson and Wade Dong.

Iverson's peak form doesn't happen every game, so it's important to cherish it when it does.

The second quarter continued until the last two minutes, when Nash finally substituted Iverson. Wade Dong played the entire first half.

"AI, you were amazing!"

Nash high-fived Iverson, who then walked to the bench, looking a bit tired. His teammates handed him water and towels, eager to help.

In fact, some of the Suns' bench players grew up watching Iverson and Nash play, and they greatly admire Iverson.

Halftime.

76:62!!!

The Suns led the Spurs by 14 points heading into the second half.

Iverson played 13 minutes, shooting 11 for 16, scoring a team-high 23 points in the first half. Playoff scoring leader Wade Dong scored 19 points in the first half, along with 11 rebounds and 9 assists, just one assist shy of a triple-double.

...

During halftime, the Suns' locker room was filled with laughter and joy.

Leading by 14 points at halftime, everyone was in high spirits. However, Wade Dong suddenly felt a bit uneasy, as if something was about to happen, but he didn't know what.

At this time, some fans in the arena got up to use the restroom, but most were excitedly discussing the highlights of the first half.

Li Jiajia was sitting in the front row of the stands, quietly studying for her postgraduate entrance exam. A blonde, blue-eyed girl suddenly approached her and handed her a drink.

"Who are you?"

Li Jiajia didn't take the drink but curiously looked at the person in front of her.

"Let me introduce myself, I'm Daisy."

Daisy smiled at Li Jiajia and said, "I love China very much. You look like you're from China, right?"

"Yes."

Li Jiajia nodded slightly.

"That's great, let's be friends."

Daisy sat next to Li Jiajia, resting her chin on her hand and staring at Li Jiajia.

Li Jiajia felt a bit embarrassed and asked, "Is there something on my face?"

"No, no!"

Daisy shook her head vigorously and said, "You're just too beautiful. I swear I've never seen a girl as beautiful as you."

"Thank you."

Li Jiajia smiled and nodded. Americans are so straightforward.