One Year Left to Play

Ewing’s ruling power quickly declined, starting from when he began losing weight.

Originally, with his post-30 playing style that relied less on athleticism than Olajuwon’s, he was fully capable of being the primary scorer for a top team like Jabbar or Malone at thirty-seven or thirty-eight. But his knees, which had troubled him since entering the NBA, were always a concern. Losing weight during the off-season made him look lighter, improved his mobility over the past two years, enhanced his defensive footwork, and in the preseason, he appeared almost in his 30s prime again, with mid-range shots and cuts as sharp as ever.

However, his once top-level strength combined with technical aggressive attackability plummeted!

The 103-kilogram, 92-strength-rated Zhang Hao wasn’t at a complete disadvantage in weight against the 110-kilogram, 90-strength-rated Ewing; his static strength was even stronger. Learning post moves with Jabbar during the off-season naturally provided insights into low-post defense. Zhang Hao wasn’t sure how much he improved in defending the low-post, but in basic positioning details, he knew he could execute very well.

Surprised, Ewing couldn’t get a better position, so he didn’t. Acting as if nothing had happened, he leaned against Zhang Hao to get the ball, skillfully turned left toward the baseline... Zhang Hao swiftly moved left, blocking Ewing’s space for leaping after landing!

Ewing turned around hastily; though he completed the turn beautifully due to his solid fundamentals, Ewing lacked strength in confrontation. His hook shot upon turning missed, hitting the rim!

Barkley secured the rebound!

Ewing didn’t want others to know he turned because he couldn’t force his way through. To outsiders, it appeared Ewing tried something fancy against the formidable Zhang Hao, only to mess it up himself.

But those involved knew this offensive attempt had failed due to the inability to overpower!

Zhang Hao was thrilled, sensing his progress in low-post defense. His awareness and judgment had significantly improved! However, the opponent excelled in multiple scoring methods, epitomizing center techniques, so he had to remain cautious.

It was only during the off-season strength training and gaining weight that Zhang Hao managed to restrain Ewing, who had lost weight, in the low post.

Ewing quickly retreated to defense, with no change in expression—his perpetually serious face showed nothing of his emotions, much like Zhang Hao’s cold demeanor.

Kenny Anderson received the ball and advanced quickly. Though no fast break emerged, the Knicks excelled in delaying fast-breaking players and judging the optimal passing moment of the first passer...

Moreover, in the set play defense, Kenny Anderson, known for his excellent scoring and passing, sharply judged the opponents’ tough defensive stance!

At least... tougher than their Lakers!

With the first round’s experience, Kenny Anderson decided to take charge. Unlike the rushed previous round, he earnestly probed this time. After closing in with a strong drive, he had an opportunity to escape Chales’s defense. However, Anderson passed to the cutting George Lynch rather than forcing a play.

But the fierce frontcourt defensive rotation of Charles Oakley, Ewing, and Larry Johnson was strong. Charles Oakley timely covered George Lynch, and though Ewing should have helped cover Lynch, he intercepted Lynch’s pass to Zhang Hao thanks to spotting the passing motion in advance.

Fortunately, Kenny Anderson, anticipating such possibilities, had moved into position to provide an outlet, receiving the ball, but finding no openings. Near the free-throw line, it felt like being in an arena brimming with confrontation. Spotting someone open, Anderson immediately passed...

Only to regret it after seeing who it was.

The recipient was Zhang Hao!

Zhang Hao received the ball, but Ewing came up to defend. Besides, with so many defenders in close proximity, breaking through would be tough. Worse yet, only four seconds remained!

Caught off guard by the pass, Zhang Hao, turned sideways to Ewing, lifted the ball prepared for a Turnaround Fadeaway. But sensing Ewing’s aggressive approach, Zhang Hao improvised, facing the left sideline, turning sharply left. As Ewing lunged for Zhang Hao’s Turnaround Fadeaway, Zhang Hao spun 270 degrees, leaving Ewing leaping past him!

Zhang Hao’s final pivot step, a half-step with his right foot, led to a fluent jump shot...

Executing a mid-range shot with balance and fluidity... the ball went in!

It was tough! If he had really taken the Turnaround Fadeaway, Ewing most likely would’ve blocked it.

But Zhang Hao ingeniously used Ewing’s own signature move—reception spin jump shot!

Summertime’s rigorous spinning practice paid off! If Zhang Hao hadn’t trained hard over the summer, spins and shots wouldn’t be executed with such precise timing and balance.

Basic skills proved beneficial again. If a technique requires poor fundamentals, intense practice only trains the moves, rendering actual use futile.

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