One Year Left to Play

Chapter 548 - 167: Triple Critical Hit 2

The Lakers sent out the starting lineup of Van Exel, Doug Christie, George Lynch, Zhang Hao, and Campbell.

The Magic sent out the starting lineup of Anfernee Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Dennis Scott, Horace Grant, and O’Neal.

Having prepared by putting on magnesium powder and reaching the center circle, Zhang Hao saw O’Neal’s smiling face, who was much larger than him.

"Rookie, you can’t jump as high as me, so you might as well stand still. Your whole team can’t jump as high as me," O’Neal said with great pride.

Is this considered trash talk?

I guess so...

Seeing Zhang Hao not respond, O’Neal became even more smug. He couldn’t tell if Zhang Hao’s cold face was angered or not, so he continued, "Not only can you not jump as high as me, but you’re not as strong as me either!"

"..."

Zhang Hao didn’t even lift his head, readying for the jump ball.

After a while, Zhang Hao felt he needed to respond somehow.

Just as the referee confirmed the time and took the whistle to his mouth, Zhang Hao spoke, "You were swept by Olajuwon."

"!...!!!!!!!!!"

Originally, after not getting a response, O’Neal had said a couple more lines and was losing interest, and who knew Zhang Hao would speak up and mention something O’Neal least wanted to remember.

He wanted to retaliate immediately but hadn’t yet thought of how when he saw Zhang Hao leap!

Just as Zhang Hao spoke, the whistle seemed to sound!

Looking up, he saw the ball being tapped backwards by Zhang Hao... So sneaky! O’Neal quickly retreated, and as Zhang Hao landed, O’Neal immediately engaged physically.

What is the most perfect basketball athlete’s body?

Having experienced during the All-Star game and experiencing again O’Neal’s superb burst movement with his 216 cm, 132 kg body, Zhang Hao still found it incredible.

However, tonight it’s not just Zhang Hao...

George Lynch responded very quickly, always ready for a fast break or defensive retreat, sprinting towards the basket!

Van Exel timely passed the ball, and George Lynch stormed to the right side of the three-second zone to receive the ball, slamming it into the basket over the retreating Horace Grant!

Finally back in the starting lineup! After the dunk, George Lynch yelled "Wo wo wo" while defending.

Though not as energizing as Zhang Hao’s fast break at the start, George Lynch’s incredibly outgoing play after getting hyped also inspired his teammates.

On the Lakers’ bench, the magician tilted his head and smiled at Del Harris nearby.

Del Harris also smiled, understanding the magician’s implication—see, I said the start with a substitute would be great.

The person jumping the ball can run for a fast break, which is a great help for wing players. The opening fast break is pretty well-defended, with both sides’ defenders able to block. In this situation, O’Neal, or even Campbell, has the ability to retreat straight to the basket, where even if the teammates on the sides have impeded the opponent’s fast break, and the opponent breaks through the interference to rush into the basket, the center can retreat adequately.

But Zhang Hao jumping the ball either directly bypasses the opponent center to attack the basket, or even if faced with O’Neal, O’Neal will definitely block Zhang Hao first, creating opportunities for the wings.

However, previously Anthony Piller was too short, and the magician didn’t have the ability either, often missing opening scoring chances against prescient defenders like Olajuwon, Malone, Moning, etc.

Just that O’Neal lost focus jumping the ball... distracted enough not to jump when Zhang Hao tapped the ball, quite surprising.

On the court, O’Neal watched the scene of George Lynch excitedly high-fiving after crossing the midline and Zhang Hao reluctantly participating, gritting his teeth.

Too sneaky!

Turns out gentlemen are hypocrites!

O’Neal was about to explode, ready to crush the opponent... after crossing the half-court, looking at Campbell who was similar in size beside him, O’Neal fell into contemplation...

"Actually, I’m not really fond of pounding inside, it lacks technical content."

With this thought, O’Neal decisively pulled out of the three-second zone, prepared to rush from the left baseline anytime.

It’s not that he’s really scared, but playing against Campbell is too exhausting, if he plays against Campbell, the opponent would certainly be pleased.

Last season, after Campbell suddenly changed his playstyle and gained 18 kg during the summer of 1994, he not only didn’t deteriorate, instead playing better than before, clearly more suited for this heavyweight playstyle... the downside being almost no lateral movement, but in defending O’Neal, he’s absolutely top-notch in the league.

When Anfernee Hardaway saw this, he knew it was his turn, gestured signaling, Nick Anderson pulled away to the right 45-degree angle, Horace Grant pulled away to mid-range on the right baseline, Dennis Scott pulled away to the left baseline corner.

A very simple and crude formation, the Magic’s playstyle is just this straightforward and unpretentious.

Then, Anfernee Hardaway deftly moved the ball with both hands, like performing a street dance, relaxed and leisurely, completely ignoring Zhang Hao who took a big step back in defense ahead.

Underestimating his three-point ability?

Yes, that’s how it should be.

Does he need three-pointers?

No need!

Anfernee Hardaway proactively lunged at Zhang Hao!

Zhang Hao had backed up far enough and was already ready to move once the opponent’s breakthrough line was confirmed, only to find Penny directly charging at him!

Zhang Hao was a bit bewildered, and just as they were about to collide, Zhang Hao keenly noticed the opponent’s left foot making a retreating move... Zhang Hao hurriedly moved left... Oh no!

Right at that moment, Zhang Hao realized something was wrong, but it was too late, Penny didn’t turn, directly pulled up, made a mid-range shot... and scored!