One Year Left to Play

I initially thought he came on to stretch the floor, but unexpectedly, he came on for Hack-a-Shaq! That’s when the Lakers realized that their opponent already committed three fouls before!

Moreover, Kenny Smith, being a seasoned veteran, wouldn’t make Hack-a-Shaq that simple; he resorted to the most maddening foul - a shove without a confrontation!

A clear taunt, but since he’s targeting Hack-a-Shaq and is somewhat of a well-known veteran, the referee only called a regular foul!

Although Zhang Hao’s indifferent face helped calm O’Neal at the free-throw line, his usual poor shooting touch combined with the frustration from Kenny Anderson’s shove, ruined it...!

...

Initially, the Lakers held a substantial advantage but encountered Hack-a-Shaq tactics.

Initially, the Lakers managed to contain Anfernee Hardaway well, but Anfernee Hardaway began playing solo, ignoring everything else.

At this point, the effect of Anfernee Hardaway’s weight gain became apparent, although the increased weight put more pressure on his knees and ankles and significantly affected his speed, his ability to withstand confrontation vastly improved compared to previous years, even stabilizing his shots after competing under the basket with O’Neal!

Just like Kobe in the original timeline turning into Little Malone after losing O’Neal!

At 8:15 in the first quarter, after consecutively going to the free-throw line four times, making only 2 out of 8 shots, O’Neal was substituted.

Because during those four times O’Neal was on the free-throw line, the Magic scored 3 baskets!

to 22, the Magic tied the score!

These four offensive plays were all initiated by Anfernee Hardaway, his personal score jumping from 6 to 9 points... now reaching 15 points with 2 assists!

After the timeout, the Lakers lineup included James Robinson, Brian Shaw, George Lynch, Magician, and Zhang Hao.

The Magic lineup included Darrell Armstrong, Anfernee Hardaway, Gerald Wilkins, Derek Strong, and Ronnie Seikaly.

With O’Neal subbed out due to Hack-a-Shaq, Zhang Hao felt O’Neal’s eyes filled with resentment...

The game became hard to play, with Anfernee Hardaway suddenly exploding, O’Neal being beaten twice under the basket, and himself being hit once...

Yet, at this moment, Zhang Hao felt excited!

He’s quite calculative, well aware of his strengths and weaknesses, likes utilizing team power... but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to compete against top players!

Although the game became tougher, his duel with Penny, who began declining...

Lakers on the offense, Zhang Hao got to the frontcourt and went directly to the left baseline mid-range, asking for the ball against Derek Strong.

Derek Strong tried hard to stay glued to Zhang Hao, Zhang Hao leaned forward seeking bump space, Derek Strong pressed onto him... clearly a foul.

But the Magic’s foul count was already too high, such minor actions weren’t called by the referee!

Zhang Hao didn’t mind, moved forward a bit, leaned his body forward again, and suddenly spun sharply!

The pressing Derek Strong was easily boxed out by Zhang Hao, who spun and cut in, "Deep Stepping" regular bonus activated, speed +3...

With acceleration ready, speed increased, and his long legs, Zhang Hao took two steps into the three-second area, and before Ronnie Seikaly realized, dunked the ball directly over him!

The Magic side didn’t like watching the Lakers’ matches, not even their replays; O’Neal’s departure left them resentful, especially with the Lakers’ recent 11-game winning streak, refusing to learn about the Lakers.

In this pre-social media, no internet video era, disconnecting from something truly meant keeping it completely separate.

In the Magic players’ impression, Zhang Hao was a player relying on intelligence, athleticism, and shooting,

with raw post skills, just that one move, Derek Strong bet on the referee not calling more fouls on them, trying to block Zhang Hao’s turnaround fadeaway and post bump space.

This play, they suddenly realized Zhang Hao had a huge transformation from last year, visible progress in less than a year!

They recalled when Zhang Hao counterattacked previously, pushing the ball forward himself!

Magic’s offense, Anfernee Hardaway broke through and distributed to Ronnie Seikaly for a mid-range shot that was made.

Indeed, Hardaway couldn’t be contained, Del Harris was ready for Doug Christie to enter the game early.

Upon turnover, Zhang Hao continued asking for the ball at the left baseline mid-range.

Receiving the ball, Zhang Hao noticed his opponent wasn’t sticking as tightly, but he leaned in until Derek Strong lowered his center in fear, then suddenly spun, displaying excellent agility.

Continuing to attack the basket!

At this moment, Zhang Hao just wanted to compete with his opponent!

Ronnie Seikaly was prepared this time, but Zhang Hao jumped against him regardless, switched the ball in the air avoiding Ronnie Seikaly’s block, stretched his hand under Ronnie Seikaly’s arm towards the hoop, it was a difficult angle, just as Zhang Hao was about to force a shot, inspiration hit, his palm steady, elbow pushed upward as his body descended, fingertip flicked the ball...

The ball floated gracefully into the basket!

"Zone Dominance (Bronze) activated, equipping player Zhang Hao easier to find shooting touch within 90 cm radius with hoop center..."

This shot, even Zhang Hao felt lucky, occasionally making such hook shots during the game, yet replicating it was almost impossible.

But that’s irrelevant; this Medal has already become part of his strength!

Right after Zhang Hao scored, he turned to defend, merely thinking his luck was good, impulsively made a miraculous play.

But for Anfernee Hardaway, the shock was immense!

When O’Neal was substituted and Anfernee Hardaway’s attention shifted to Zhang Hao, he realized Zhang Hao was much better than he thought!

The crowd got excited again!

Here comes! Their Gentleman started performing!

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