One Year Left to Play

Nash was momentarily distracted, caught off guard by Zhang Hao’s aggressive press. He missed a fleeting opportunity for a breakthrough, leading to a mistake. Zhang Hao reached out and flicked the ball from Nash’s dribble!

Instinctively, Nash tried to snatch it back, but Zhang Hao lunged for the ball he had pushed forward. As soon as he grabbed it, Nash pulled him from behind...

The referee’s whistle blew: Nash committed a foul!

The game stopped, and the referee went to check the replay.

Nash naturally understood what had happened.

This was his first time starting in his career, and his first offensive play resulted in two consecutive mistakes: an offensive error plus a defensive flagrant foul!

Joy is often built on others’ misery; the crowd mercilessly taunted Nash with "ooo" sounds.

While Nash hung his head in utter disappointment, a teammate placed a hand on his shoulder, saying, "Don’t lose heart, that guy is different from us. Just focus and play well."

Nash initially thought it was Sabonis comforting him. Among the starters, only Sabonis seemed like a nice guy.

But as he looked up, it appeared Sabonis was too busy arguing with the referee about the foul, but the referee didn’t listen. The replay showed that while one of Zhang Hao’s heels hadn’t completely passed Nash, the rest of his body had.

The referee confirmed it was a flagrant foul against Nash!

Nash looked up in shock at the face beside him, which seemed like a walking foul...

He rarely spoke to Rashid Wallace, because Rashid Wallace indeed looked like the biggest villain among their team’s players. In Nash’s mind, Rashid Wallace was on par with Isaiah Rider.

But thinking back now, aside from his love for grumbling to referees and complaining, Rashid Wallace had never really done anything wrong.

As Nash’s impression of Rashid Wallace shifted and his dismay eased, Zhang Hao stepped alone to the frontcourt free throw line to execute the free throw for the flagrant foul, and both shots went in.

to 0, the Lakers took two free throws and possession, continuing their attack.

O’Neal moved to the post, unfazed, leaning against Sabonis, who was even bulkier than him. Without going solo, he passed toward the free throw line.

Zhang Hao had just crossed the free throw line. Gary Trent moved in for a double-team on O’Neal, as Zhang Hao took Rashid Wallace away from defending Barkley. Barkley received the ball at the free throw line, took a mid-range shot, and scored.

O’Neal’s presence alone, without any moves, drew a double team.

After Barkley made the shot, Sabonis immediately said to Gary Trent, "No double-team needed; I can handle it alone."

Even as he said this, Sabonis nodded towards Gary Trent.

The Blazers transitioned to a half-court game.

Nash advanced to the frontcourt, while Robert Parker watched eagerly from the sidelines.

Joining the Blazers, Robert Parker hoped to become the focal point of the perimeter attack. Despite Isaiah Rider’s early performances, now his starting spot was taken by a scrawny rookie.

As a rookie, Nash’s first season was not smooth, especially after showcasing some skills, which made Robert Parker—barely holding his ground with a strong team—uneasy.

This time, Nash moved into the frontcourt with full concentration, unlike before. When Zhang Hao pressed up like the last play, aiming to target Nash again, Nash seized the opportunity, changing pace to break through!

Zhang Hao predicted Nash’s breakthrough direction. Despite Nash’s speed, Zhang Hao gave justified resistance.

However, Nash had impressive core strength, maintained his balance under pressure, and pushed steadily to the free throw line.

Zhang Hao turned to chase; Nash halted abruptly at the free throw line, stepping back and taking a mid-range shot...

Zhang Hao’s hand stretched out a beat too late; Nash had already released the ball.

Nash played with utmost determination on this play. Although the game had just begun, he risked all his courage on this shot.

Watching the ball soar, even as Zhang Hao’s hand was a fraction too late to block, it flew high, landed, and went into the basket. Nash’s expression management system couldn’t hold as he showcased the same eerie smile as when he was picked in the lottery.

Nash demonstrated his excellent asset—a strong ability to take on bigger opponents!

As Nash broke through, Sabonis pulled himself beyond the three-point line, particularly at a 45-degree angle. He’d catch and shoot if there was a chance; if not, Nash would create or pass to others to shoot while Sabonis retreated quickly to defense.

As the defending center, O’Neal certainly would pull back to grab the board after Blazers’ shots. Sabonis considered this too, along with Gary Trent, and was among the first back, sprawling a defensive trap to prevent the Lakers from fast-breaking by tightening their half-court game.

Zhang Hao didn’t force a fast break. It wasn’t necessary; with Sabonis and Nash on the other side, missing a fast break could easily lead to a counterattack.

Settling into a half-court offensive, the Magician still passed the ball to O’Neal, who intended to try a post-up on Sabonis. Unchecked, he smoothly received the ball; even Olajuwon couldn’t hold him one-on-one.

Yet, as soon as he powerfully pushed the 127-kilogram Sabonis back one step, Gary Trent already abandoned Zhang Hao, closing in for the double-team!

Sabonis’ previous statement was to deceive O’Neal!

However, O’Neal didn’t force the shot. With his agility, he grabbed the ball and protected it, avoiding a steal and quickly passed to Barkley.

Isaiah Rider quickly assisted Barkley, who passed it back to the top arc to the Magician, who had an open three-point opportunity, shot...

Simple post-ups drawing double-teams and then passing; the Lakers played this tactic well, but unfortunately, the Magician’s three-point shot missed.

Sabonis boxed out and blocked O’Neal during the rebound; Nash, along with Isaiah Rider and Rashid Wallace, darted out!

Closest to Sabonis, O’Neal saw Sabonis throw a quarterback-like pass across the court, reaching Nash at the opposite baseline with accuracy and perfect timing.

Nash caught the ball; Zhang Hao, who first retreated to the basket, immediately closed in, but Nash lobbed a high pass. Rashid Wallace soared in for a two-handed dunk!

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