One Year Left to Play

The Magician just no longer shoulders the main responsibility for organizing like last season; he does what he should, but he has yielded the tactical core position.

As for the other players, they have to earn their playing time through performance. On a team like this, there’s no room for a player to slack off; they all give it their all when they’re on the court.

But it seems that apart from the three of them, no one else feels a sense of urgency; they believe their team is powerful and impressive.

So, what should Zhang Hao do about this?

He can only strive to win games so his teammates can maintain this confident mindset...

Just the thought of it feels quite exhilarating.

Tonight’s game has attracted a lot of attention, and the TNT Sports Channel will broadcast it live.

There are two main highlights in the game: the showdown between Zhang Hao and Kevin Garnett, the talented power forwards of the same cohort, is the biggest highlight; the face-off between the talented point guard Marbury and the middle-generation talented point guard Kenny Anderson is also highly anticipated.

When the TV broadcast began, Zhang Hao, who was listening to Del Harris emphasize the importance of scoring efficiency, suddenly saw a subtitle pop up in front of him...

"The 1995 cohort of talented power forwards has started the new season with outstanding performances, as many players with the potential to become top power forwards have begun to realize their talents. The 1995 cohort has also become known among the media and fans as the ’year of the power forwards.’ Specially contracted player Zhang Hao is a member of the 1995 cohort of talented power forwards. Task: ’Lead the Pack’ triggered."

"Lead the Pack:

Task Duration: 1996-1997 Season.

Task Targets: Joe Smith, Antonio McDyess, Rashid Wallace, Kevin Garnett.

Goal 1: Zhang Hao’s team must maintain a winning advantage against the teams of the task targets.

Task Reward: One medal for random characteristic conversion of a task target.

Goal 2: Zhang Hao must outscore the opponents in games against the task targets.

Task Reward: One 1996-1997 Star Experience Card of a random player among the task targets.

Advanced Goal 1: Zhang Hao’s team achieves a full win record against the task targets’ teams; the reward for Goal 1 advances to one medal for random characteristic conversion + one elite-level technical training card.

Advanced Goal 2: Zhang Hao outscores the opponents in games against the task targets by at least 10 points; the reward for Goal 2 advances to one Peak Star Experience Card of a random player among the task targets.

Note: 1. To activate advanced goals, you must proactively notify the opponents of the goals you are aiming to achieve.

2. If Zhang Hao is absent from a game that counts toward the task conditions, it is considered that the task goal was not completed for that game. If the opponent is absent from a game that counts toward the task conditions, but Zhang Hao is not, he must complete the achievable goals."

Zhang Hao waited and waited for the first task of the new season; when playing against the New York Knicks, it didn’t happen; against the Hornets, he waited and waited, it still didn’t happen; even the "Shooting Star" seemed to disappear after Reggie Miller’s positional rhythm simulation training and Alan Houston’s quick shot learning simulation training were initiated.

Then, out of nowhere, it appeared!

However, looking at the opening performance data of the other four power forwards listed from their 95 cohort, Zhang Hao found that they all had a great start this year.

Joe Smith, in his sophomore year, no longer fell short. In the opening four games, he averaged 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1.2 blocks, successfully going from a luxury version of Garnett to a poor man’s version of Garnett.

"Kevin Garnett, 20 years old, 211 cm (?), 106 kg, ability rating 85, offense 84, defense 87, three-point —, mid-range shot 84, layup 91, speed 87, strength 84, jumping 96, stamina 95... In the first four games of the 96-97 season, he averaged 20.2 points, 10 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 2.2 blocks..."

Zhang Hao specifically checked Garnett’s ability rating; if luck favors him, he has a chance to make the All-Star!

Their opening performance went from playing like a poor man’s number one pick to a luxury version.

Antonio McDyess averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, 1.7 blocks at the start; Rashid Wallace averaged 16.2 points, 6.8 rebounds...

No matter if the task appeared or not, seeing their opening performances when Zhang Hao focused on the "fading 95 cohort," thinking of facing them would make him excited; even if he hasn’t seen it now, when they maintain or perform better in future matchups, Zhang Hao will still feel thrilled.

But now, the geniuses from the 96 cohort are the media darlings. The 95 cohort no longer holds that extra exposure; he just didn’t notice. But even before the task triggered tonight, he was already looking forward to facing Garnett immensely.

Looking at the goals, rewards, advanced goals, and advanced rewards... The requirement to activate advanced goals is quite ambitious!

But, if you’re going to play, you have to play big!

...

When a team has a teammate like Zhang Hao, who exhibits endless passion for the game when on the court, everyone gets infected. At this moment, teammates feel like they’re playing in college and high school again.

It’s simply to compete, win, and all other thoughts, personal interests are temporarily put aside.

Kenny Anderson became Zhang Hao’s fanboy early on, not without reason; talent is one thing, but this passion towards the game matters even more!

However, today, when the game was about to start, the teammates suddenly found that the team’s leading scorer had an even higher fighting spirit!

The eager demeanor, the longing look to get on the court, even the poker face couldn’t hide it!

Looking over at the opponent... Oh, it’s Garnett.

That explains it.

Our sophomore just can’t stand players from the 95 cohort ranked higher than the ninth pick. Wasn’t Toronto’s little mouse just recently defeated?

Routine operation...

When the opposing players took to the court and saw Zhang Hao’s eyes filled with passion for the game, they felt overwhelmed...

This is a first-team rookie’s super talent! Averaging over 30 points at the start of his sophomore year, he’s competing with Jordan, Glenn Rice, Karl Malone, and Richmond on the scoring leaderboard.

Even for recognized talents like Garnett and Marbury, standing on the court opposite Zhang Hao felt immensely pressured.

The referee took the ball to the center circle; the game was about to start. Just as everyone focused, a sentence was suddenly heard...

"This year, I’m going to sweep you all, and Kevin, tonight I’ll score at least 10 points more than you!"

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