One Year Left to Play

Sabonis passes to the opposite corner, Nash receives the ball, attracts the double team, high lob pass to the middle... seamless teamwork.

It’s not surprising that Sabonis can organize a fast break like this. Even the Magician spent the offseason learning Sabonis’ passing. Now, Sabonis’ method of initiating a fast break suits him even more.

Nash’s speed, sense of movement, passing awareness, have all impressed the Magician!

"If this rookie had entered the NBA 5 years ago..." the Magician thought about that offensive era, the era when the three-point line wasn’t shortened. If Sabonis and Nash’s offensive core combination had been in that era, they would definitely soar!

"But 5 years ago, the Bad Boys were still around. Playing like this, they might have been beaten to death..."

Really stunning, the fans on site seemed to see the shadow of showtime.

Zhang Hao was a bit surprised. Nash adjusted so quickly and played with such vigor, it’s just that Rashid Wallace is so athletic that he could keep up with this preemptive high lob pass.

However, Nash’s part isn’t important. What’s important is Rashid Wallace, this 4th pick who alongside Mr. Zhang ranks among the top five power forwards of the ’95 draft, didn’t play as timid as last season, actively seeking scoring opportunities.

Clearly, this guy wants to compete with Mr. Zhang in scoring!

Receiving the pass from Doug Christie who ran back, Zhang Hao advanced to the frontcourt. O’Neal no longer wanted the ball, positioned on the right side of the three-second zone, Barkley moved to the left mid-range, seeing Zhang Hao attacking alone, Barkley moved to the baseline, the Magician went to the right side of the free-throw line to support, Doug Christie moved outside the left sideline three-point line, space opened up.

Gary Trent pressed up to defend when Zhang Hao approached the three-point line, feeling at 203 cm he had a big height disadvantage against the official 206 cm Zhang Hao. If not pressing up immediately, this flashy player would definitely shoot right away.

Zhang Hao seizes the opportunity to break through!

Didn’t trigger the "King of Cross Step," but it didn’t matter. The opponent wasn’t Grant Hill or Pippen type, with enough speed, Zhang Hao used a forearm during a reasonable confrontation to withstand Gary Trent’s center-level challenge, driving straight to the basket!

Usually very averse to defense, Rashid Wallace actively came back this time, retreating from the left baseline quickly to block!

Barkley chose to cut in as Rashid Wallace collapsed, Sabonis chose to block Barkley. When Rashid Wallace blocked Zhang Hao, he waved his arms to hinder Zhang Hao’s pass to the basket. Zhang Hao didn’t choose to pass to Barkley, who had a better chance but would be disturbed by Sabonis, instead went for a floater... missed!

But O’Neal rushed in from the right side of the three-second zone for a put-back dunk, scoring two points!

Zhang Hao quickly retreated, watching Rashid Wallace pick up the ball and pass it to Nash.

"Celestial Venerable’s defensive awareness is really good, no wonder he later became a top defensive center, his ability to cover on defense is excellent. It’s just at his current age, he seems unmotivated to defend, usually showing mediocre defense... Next summer, I could have him teach me how to cover!"

Retracing backcourt, Zhang Hao stood on the free-throw line waiting for Nash to advance leisurely.

The Blazers are very disciplined on offense, without an opportunity they definitely don’t force a fast break, to avoid getting counterattacked by the Lakers.

O’Neal ran back to the three-point line a bit later than Zhang Hao, stopping there and glaring at Zhang Hao: "Didn’t you know how to pass earlier?"

"Isn’t it better for you to have more rebounds with the put-back?"

"..." O’Neal didn’t know how to respond.

Seems like, that is indeed the reason...

Nash advanced to the frontcourt, the Lakers already set up their defense position.

Intended to single out Zhang Hao again, but Nash noticed Zhang Hao didn’t pressure up, instead stood a step inside the three-point line utilizing center-level height and reach, with guard-level speed and agility to defend the three-pointer.

Zhang Hao’s physique and athleticism gave Nash a strong sense of pressure, he felt as if the moment he picked up the ball to shoot, Zhang Hao wouldn’t even need to jump to interfere, even block him!

However, this time Nash didn’t space out, instead motioned for a pick, Rashid Wallace came up to screen Zhang Hao!

Nash broke through from the right, Barkley blocked promptly, but Nash despite lacking strength had stable core strength. After experiencing contact, he relied on his agility to pull away in time, successfully driving into the inside.

Isaiah Rider cut in from the left, Doug Christie’s athleticism was inferior to this dunk king, his strength wasn’t a match either, couldn’t form interference. O’Neal quickly retreated to the basket, protecting the hoop, Nash broke to the right low position of the three-second zone, Zhang Hao swiftly shifted towards Sabonis.

But Nash grabbed the ball and flicked it to the left baseline with a hook, the direction being the free-throw line!

Rashid Wallace moved to the free-throw line, received the ball and shot mid-range... scored!

Even though he was forced into agreeing to an unequal bet due to his teammates’ foolishness, Rashid Wallace still wanted to win this bet.

Last year with the Bullets, he was just a supporting role in the inside, playing as Juwan Howard’s assistant, so when facing Zhang Hao’s bullying, he could only fearfully be bullied.

But now, he has come to the Blazers, becoming the number one offensive point in the inside. Facing the same-year Zhang Hao who wants to bully him again, he wants to fight back!

The Blazers by relying on Rashid Wallace and Nash consecutively scored 6 points, keeping the score tightly!

After a few probing rounds at the start, both teams had gotten into the groove.

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