Chapter 510: The League Doesn't Allow Such Arrogance
Nash had this ability.
I remember one season when, despite being short on players, Nash led a group of substitutes to finish second in the Western Conference.
In the playoffs, they even battled the mighty Lakers for six games. If it weren't for Artest unexpectedly grabbing a rebound and making a game-winning putback, the Suns might have made it to the Finals that season.
And Wade Dong...
He was a player with enhanced talent, defense, offense, passing, and court vision, not inferior to Nash in any of these aspects.
Five minutes into the second quarter.
The Suns gradually started to fall behind, and Gentry brought Curry and Green back in, substituting for Varick and Dinwiddie.
With these two on the court, the Suns were a bit lacking in ability, and the Rockets seized many opportunities.
As soon as Varick came off the court, he didn't even have time to wipe his sweat before an assistant coach handed him the technical statistics sheet.
Wade Dong: 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks.
With these stats, he was on track for another quadruple-double. If he pushed a little harder, he might even achieve a quintuple-double for the second time in his career. Nothing could be more terrifying than that.
...
"Stick with the opening tactic. I'll continue playing the 5 position!"
Wade Dong patted Curry, "You just focus on shooting, leave the rebounds to me."
The Suns were on offense.
Beverley was defending Curry, and his defense was like a mad dog, but it was effective.
Ariza was waiting for an opportunity on the side, but as soon as Curry shook off Beverley, Ariza immediately stepped up to help defend. Both of them had their own defensive strategies.
"G~~~"
Curry's shot was decisive, but it missed!
No problem!
"Slap!"
Wade Dong pushed Capela aside and grabbed the offensive rebound. After landing, he immediately turned and made a jump shot.
"Swish!!"
The ball went straight through the net.
Suns 51, Rockets 57!
The Suns were still down by 6 points, but it was just 6 points, and with Curry back, the game became easier.
"Show me that kind of defensive attitude!"
Wade Dong pointed at Beverley, reminding McCollum and Tucker.
Paul dribbled up the court, using a crossover move to get past his defender, but as soon as he got past Curry, Green stepped up to help defend.
Wade Dong noticed Paul glance to his left, looking at Ariza at the three-point line. He immediately abandoned the low post and stealthily moved towards Harden's direction.
Paul's glance was meant to deceive Green. As Green rushed towards Ariza, Paul made a behind-the-back pass, sending the ball straight to Harden in the paint.
"Slap!"
As soon as Harden touched the ball, Wade Dong appeared behind him and cut the ball away.
The key to a successful steal is judgment.
"Huh? When did Wade Dong get behind me?"
While Harden was stunned, Wade Dong had already finished a fast-break dunk.
Suns 53, Rockets 57!
"That's his third steal..."
Varick gestured towards the steal and muttered, "He needs seven more steals for a quintuple-double. Dong Ge has to work hard! "
When Curry and Green were off the court, Harden and Paul frequently attacked the paint.
Once Curry returned, Wade Dong went back to the 5 position, making the Suns' interior defense their strongest asset, and these two dared not recklessly drive to the basket.
The game continued.
With 47 seconds left in the second quarter, the Suns were still down by 5 points.
"Defend this ball and try to tie the score!"
Wade Dong stood under the basket, loudly encouraging his teammates.
D'Antoni had been keeping an eye on Wade Dong's time in the key. Although Wade Dong was strong, he didn't often play the 5 position, so D'Antoni wanted to take advantage of this. If Wade Dong committed a three-second violation, he would immediately pressure the referees.
However, up to this point in the game, Wade Dong hadn't committed a single three-second violation. Every time, he managed to leave the key just in time.
The Rockets passed the ball around, and Wade Dong was drawn away from the basket by Harden, who then passed the ball to Brewer.
Brewer received the ball and went up for a layup.
"Slap!"
But as soon as Wade Dong turned around, he delivered another big block to Brewer.
"I don't believe it!"
Brewer was a bit flustered, "When I caught the ball, Wade Dong had his back to me. Does he have eyes in the back of his head?"
Varick muttered, "Seven blocks, Dong Ge is about to get a quadruple-double!"
The ball flew out of bounds, but Green dove into the stands and saved the ball, landing on top of the spectators.
Curry received the ball and made a fast-break layup!
Suns 69, Rockets 72!
The Suns were only down by 3 points.
Wade Dong shouted, "Defend one more ball and try to tie the score by halftime!"
"In your dreams!"
Paul scoffed.
"Go to the paint and box out!"
Wade Dong signaled to Green to switch positions. He moved up to defend Paul, who was constantly changing his dribbling rhythm. After creating some space, Paul took a mid-range shot over Wade Dong.
After Paul's shot, Wade Dong didn't look back at the basket but instead rushed towards the frontcourt.
"G~~~"
The ball hit the rim.
"How did it not go in?"
Paul couldn't believe it. His shot had a good rhythm, and after creating space, Wade Dong couldn't block him.
All the pressure was now on Green.
Green didn't disappoint, grabbing the defensive rebound and flinging the ball towards the frontcourt with his long arms.
Wade Dong received the ball and checked the remaining time—3.7 seconds.
In front of the spectators in the arena and those watching on TV, Wade Dong stopped at the three-point line and tapped his wrist, a gesture of checking his watch.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
With time running out, Wade Dong took a three-pointer.
"Swish!!"
The ball went straight through the net.
Suns 72, Rockets 72!
The Suns tied the score.
"Holy crap! So cocky..."
Even Wade Dong's most die-hard fans couldn't help but want to hit him. The NBA doesn't allow such arrogance.
...
The Suns surrounded Wade Dong as they headed to the locker room, their faces filled with envy.
"Dong Ge, when can I be as cool as you?"
When Wade Dong stopped at the three-point line, the Rockets players had already caught up, but Wade Dong's eyes were only on the basket. Although his watch-checking gesture was arrogant, the Rockets didn't dare to foul him on the three-point shot.
For a second or two, the Rockets players were in a daze.
The first half ended.
The Suns had a field goal percentage of 67% and a three-point percentage of 51%. The Rockets had a field goal percentage of 63% and a three-point percentage of 53%.
Despite the fierce individual defense, this was an offensive battle.
Most of both teams' offenses ended within 7 seconds, which was why both teams scored over 70 points in the first half.
D'Antoni had a shadow in his heart.
This was with Durant, Thompson, Whiteside, Yi Nan, and Carter sitting out. If the Rockets faced the fully-fit Suns in the playoffs, they wouldn't stand a chance.
Could it be...
There's really no stopping the Suns?
In the visiting team's locker room.
"You guys did a great job in the first half, especially with your defensive attitude. I'm very pleased!"
Gentry also didn't hold back his praise, "You're the prettiest boys on the court!"