One Year Left to Play

At 7 PM, Zhang Hao, Kenny Anderson, Doug Christie, George Lynch, and Barkley started the game.

The Phoenix Suns sent out their starting lineup of Kidd, Kevin Johnson, Sibaros, Mark Bryant, and Hot Williams.

After the game started, Zhang Hao helped the Lakers win the jump ball, and Barkley quickly got downcourt to receive Kenny Anderson’s long pass, executing a beautiful baseline spin layup.

The speed of that fast break, the quick three steps after grabbing the ball, and the burst during the jump—it’s hard to believe he’s an almost 34-year-old undersized interior player.

Offensive and defensive transition, Kidd dribbled up to the frontcourt.

Originally, Kidd constantly adjusted his mindset before the game, worrying he might get too impatient when facing Zhang Hao, as he did last season whenever he met Zhang Hao, feeling irritable. Zack wasn’t adept at dealing with defenders like Zhang Hao, and every time he faced him, it ended worse than the time before.

However, unexpectedly, during the match, he found he wasn’t so annoyed with Zhang Hao. Upon further reflection, it seemed like he hadn’t even exchanged words with Zhang Hao before. He didn’t understand why he was so hostile towards Zhang Hao last season.

The result was that he was now very calm and saw Zhang Hao defending at the top arc, stepping back a big step, and Kidd actually thought Zhang Hao’s defensive choice was smart.

Still, he noticed the Lakers’ shortcomings...

At the top arc, Kidd quickly makes a precise direct pass, Hot Williams receives the ball on the left side of the free-throw line, and then dishes it to the baseline. Sibaros squeezed past George Lynch, charging into the interior for a successful layup.

Even though Barkley tucked in, there was nothing he could do; he could hold his ground against Nick’s Larry Johnson cutting in because Larry Johnson was slow over long distances and couldn’t make these baseline assaults. The Raptors were weak, so he didn’t care. When the Hornets faced Clifford Robinson and Little Anthony Mason without Zhang Hao in the interior, the defense didn’t hold up.

As for Sibaros, although not as comprehensive as Clifford Robinson and Little Anthony Mason, his impact ability was even stronger than the two.

Offensive and defensive transition, Lakers’ offense.

The Phoenix Suns moved at considerable speed, quickly retreating to defense.

But once Zhang Hao reached the frontcourt, he noticed the opponent’s defense was riddled with gaps! He signaled for the ball!

Kenny Anderson was moved; three games, and for the first time! For the first time, someone actively asked for the ball right as the game started, quickly passing it out.

Zhang Hao posed a three-point threat, and Mark Bryant stayed inside the three-point line. Seeing Zhang Hao receive the ball and raise his hand, Mark Bryant immediately stuck close.

Zhang Hao seized the opportunity to step left of Mark Bryant, facing Mark Bryant who was trying to move sideways, he didn’t play around, directly shouldering him, then sped up to break through!

Mark Bryant was hindered by the shoulder bump, slowed down, and then tried to turn around but couldn’t keep up at all!

Zhang Hao drove directly into the basket!

Sibaros, who was defending Barkley’s cut from the left baseline, couldn’t close in time, directly watched as Zhang Hao, after two dribbles, grabbed the ball at just inside the free throw line, took two steps for an inside hit at the left side of the three-second area, and slammed the ball into the basket over the unresponsive Hot Williams...

The visual impact was exaggerated! The scene erupted with excitement!

The onsite fans, and the Phoenix Suns’ Sibaros were aware of Zhang Hao’s speed, having seen Zhang Hao’s second-half performance against the Hornets on sports shows these past two days. But seeing it live, realizing how exaggerated it was! The visual impact was much stronger than what was seen on TV!

Previously, Zhang Hao seldom had such offensive plays, not many times in a season because last season his ball handling was indeed quite ordinary. He’d only dare to dribble more recklessly during fast breaks when unguarded, with fewer instances of cutting from the three-point line.

No one expected Zhang Hao’s improved ball handling to make his outside dribble breakthrough so overpowered.

The Phoenix Suns are on the offense again, Zhang Hao didn’t guard Kidd this time, retreating to the basket and standing inside the three-second area to guard the basket.

With the outside pressure off Kidd, he easily created a close-range jump shot opportunity for Kevin Johnson, which Kevin Johnson capitalized upon, scoring two more for the Phoenix Suns.

Just like the first three games of the Suns’ season opener, tonight’s opening offense remained sharp!

Though lacking a star like Barkley from last season, the Suns this year have raised their solidness significantly.

Sibaros declined significantly, no longer the primary offensive option for the team, becoming purely a finisher and a scrambler, no longer the previous All-Star player leading the team forward. But with Kidd averaging 11 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 2.4 steals, Sibaros’s impact remains strong.

Kidd’s performance far eclipses the midseason addition of the Suns in the original timeline, seamlessly cooperating with teammates after going through training camp and preseason.

Kevin Johnson transitioned to shooting guard at 185 cm tall after Kidd joined, averaging 24.3 points and 6 assists in the first three games this season, a stellar performance.

The Phoenix Suns brought back offensive master Cotton Fitzsimmons as head coach this season, a renowned coach with 20 years of coaching history, earning Best Coach honors once each in the 70s and 80s for his explosive offense, and who led the Suns to the finals in 1993. He is said to be ideally suited for Kidd and Kevin Johnson’s double point guard setup, giving the Suns a feel reminiscent of the early 90s, with their offense fiercely sharp.

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!