One Year Left to Play

Chapter 538 - 164: What Kind of Divine Misalignment Is This?

The referee’s whistle blew when Elvin Johnson knocked Zhang Hao down. But from another angle, it was when Zhang Hao darted forward, Elvin Johnson hurriedly held onto him and lost his footing because both fell to the ground.

However, it wasn’t considered a malicious move, just a bit rough, and the referee called a holding foul on Elvin Johnson.

Zhang Hao pulled himself up with Campbell’s hand, feeling the seriousness of the SuperSonics players, even more than the last game!

After beating the Lakers once, and winning with well-executed strategy, did the SuperSonics players become complacent or careless this time around?

Not at all.

It’s not just because losing a single game now would have a huge impact on the final standings.

"He took a step back, not only betting I wouldn’t make the shot, but also noticing Sean’s cut, knowing Campbell would box out, so he retreated to a position closer to the basket to prepare for the rebound, intentionally leaving me open to provoke my shot because he knows my weakest skill is the three-pointer... very smart, and that guy..."

Payton glanced at Van Exel while running back.

Before the last game, the SuperSonics didn’t think much of the Lakers. It’s true they lost last season, but last season both Payton and Kemp weren’t as strong as they are this year, and Jose Hawkins hadn’t joined yet. This season, both of them have shown noticeable improvements and are hitting their peak, and Jose Hawkins’ addition fits almost perfectly. At the start of the regular season, they played against the Lakers twice, with one big win and the other a narrow loss due to a buzzer-beater by Sedale. They had the upper hand the whole time.

But in the last matchup, Van Exel, who restrains the SuperSonics, played more freely. On one hand, Van Exel was also improving. On the other hand, while their strategy to cut off the Lakers’ passing lanes was indeed successful, it gave Van Exel more room to perform offensively.

This time, though they didn’t go against George Karl’s arrangements, and even though George Karl didn’t pay much attention to the Lakers, the SuperSonics players felt that George Karl was repeating the old mistake from two years ago. The coach was proud, but they weren’t. Last time, they almost got overturned by the solo plays of Van Exel and Doug Christie, luckily they had a big lead initially.

"Last year we were defeated by their team offense. Is this year’s strategy too focused, too radical?"

Putting this thought aside, after retreating to the backcourt, he focused his attention on Van Exel. When it comes to guarding Van Exel, he really hasn’t done well.

Guarding him close feels like giving him a massage, he’ll just shoot as he wishes. Typically, those shots are quite unpredictable, but it’s as if the guy is favored by fate, his wild shots have earned him a multi-million salary.

Talking trash to him acts like encouragement, he gets more excited with every shot.

Attempting aggressive fouls, yet he’s also a ball rogue, he’ll definitely retaliate. Last year’s playoffs they almost got into a fight...

For such an opponent, Payton is truly at a loss.

At this moment, he was only troubled by not being able to stop Van Exel, a first-rate star who averages 24 points per game against him.

He couldn’t have imagined that in a few months, an 183-cm player who puts up Jordan-level performances whenever facing him would join the NBA.

As Van Exel pushed to the frontcourt intending to continue the previous play, he saw Zhang Hao pulling out, waiting for the Magician to pull Schramm, who’s not so good at defense, to the right corner with his unreliable three-pointer, then turning and running to the basket!

Zhang Hao reached the basket, Campbell, as discussed earlier, used his solid frame to block Kemp, Elvin Johnson couldn’t do much else, but he could defend, Kemp didn’t need much communication with Elvin Johnson to smoothly switch on defense. Van Exel on the outside tried a direct lob inside but failed.

But Zhang Hao, stationed at the left baseline, asked for the ball from Elvin Johnson!

Van Exel immediately passed it over, and even though Zhang Hao didn’t have the physical advantage, with barely any use of his elbow, he still squared up and lifted his arm to bump into him.

Elvin Johnson wasn’t afraid at all, his best skill was using strength to protect the rim and defend against back downs. Even though his chest ached from the hit, the referee didn’t call it, but he held his ground.

But at this moment, Elvin Johnson was a bit confused—last game, after failing once with a back down against him, this rookie smartly gave up. Why is he being stubborn this time?

As Elvin Johnson was confused, Zhang Hao, after failing to budge him, didn’t step back to regain strength. Instead, he followed through with his bump, pulling the ball towards his left rear with his right hand, turning around!

Elvin Johnson reacted instantly, retreating quickly, but his lateral movement was a bit slow!

Zhang Hao spun and directly charged towards the hoop!

Kemp and Campbell were both under the basket. Campbell worked hard to block Kemp, creating a layup opportunity for Zhang Hao.

Seeing this, Zhang Hao’s eyes lit up! The world of basketball, similar in name, unite to dunk! Last game, he was dunked on by Kemp twice!

Kemp fought past Campbell, thinking Zhang Hao would definitely go for a layup. He believed he still had a chance to rely on his quick jumping ability to interfere with the ball Zhang Hao was going to throw. Following his instincts, after clearing Campbell, he jumped... once he saw what was happening, and the signal reached his brain, he realized Zhang Hao was already up close!