Basketball miracles

Chapter 125 [60+ Triple-Double]

When Xiao Tu receives the ball beyond the three-point line, the Nets can only rely on Buck Williams to defend him one-on-one.

Double-teaming a player on the perimeter is something coaches wouldn't even dare to dream of; there's absolutely no precedent for it in the NBA. Williams didn't guard him closely, and Xiao Tu received the ball facing the basket, assuming a triple-threat stance.

Xiao Tu tentatively placed the ball, then quickly took a small step to the right with his left hand to draw Williams to move laterally. He then dribbled behind his back with his right hand, changed direction to the left, and gathered the ball, stepping back with his left foot to the three-point line before pulling up for a jump shot in the middle.

The step-back move was a new technique Xiao Tu had just acquired, and he hadn't even had time to practice it yet. He used it directly in the match because it was really effective, unexpectedly creating distance.

Williams was completely fooled by the fake; he never expected that someone could back out after entering the three-point line.

This will be a very common technique in the future. Xiao Tu's current style of play is a smooth combo that completely exceeds Williams' understanding of the game.

Xiao Tu's shot had a slight backward lean, a perfect arc, and went in cleanly! 77 to 58.

Hearn exclaimed, "Beautiful! Shaw hit a step-back three! That's his fourth three-pointer of the game, he's playing it so casually."

Alan said, "He has already scored 41 points, easily tying his personal single-game scoring record."

Hearn said, "Judging from his current form, scoring 50 points would be easy for him, and he could potentially surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career-high of 55 points."

The Nets were on offense, with Richardson continuing to control the tempo. After a few passes, Bilderson's jump shot missed, and Xiao Tu grabbed the defensive rebound.

Standing at 191cm, Bilderson possesses impressive scoring ability, having been selected to the NBA All-Star Game four times and the NBA All-Second Team once. However, he is currently facing Cooper, a player known for his defense, making it difficult for him to score.

Two of the Nets' three main offensive threats were contained.

The Lakers were on offense, and Xiao Tu ran to the right corner to receive the ball. He faced the basket and faked a shot. The Nets players couldn't double-team him from that distance, and seeing no one coming up, Xiao Tu pulled up for a jump shot over Williams.

I bet this guy won't jump; if he's slow, he won't be able to block my shot.

Xiao Tu's style of play is completely unreasonable. Williams didn't fall for the fake on his first attempt. I really didn't expect him to force a shot when the opponent was in position. He was too slow to jump.

Xiao Tu was full of confidence and had a great shooting rhythm, sinking another three-pointer! 80 to 58.

This was his fifth three-pointer and his 44th point.

Hearn said, "Shaw was shooting like crazy from beyond the arc today! He's the only one in the entire league who plays like that."

Alan said, "Indeed, no one has ever shot three-pointers in a row before."

The Nets also scored on offense. Center Gominsky used his height advantage to score with a hook shot against Rambis. 80-60.

The Lakers were on offense, and Xiao Tu received the ball again on the right low post. Richardson immediately ran towards him to form a double team, leaving Johnson open. The Nets players preferred to leave Magic Johnson open rather than let Xiao Tu get away with it.

Xiao Tu passed the ball to Johnson, who made a mid-range jumper just inside the three-point line. 82-60.

Xiao Tu felt it was unreasonable to see Johnson shoot long two-pointers, but he was too lazy to suggest that he practice three-pointers. This guy definitely wouldn't practice, and no amount of persuasion would work.

He suggested Scott practice three-pointers, but Scott didn't practice them; he simply didn't have the awareness. These days in the NBA, the popular type of shooter is one who doesn't shoot three-pointers. If you insist on taking a step inside the three-point line, your shooting percentage will be about one point lower.

The Lakers' offense was unstoppable. Even Nets fans could see that their team's fate was sealed, yet no one left early. Everyone wanted to see Xiao Tu continue his performance, playing like a superstar.

Xiao Tu set a screen for Johnson again beyond the three-point line in the middle, and the Nets had no idea how to defend this possession. The rules don't allow double-teaming Xiao Tu when he's off the ball, so the guards have to chase after Johnson with the ball.

The guard was drawn away, and Xiao Tu cut inside to the right 45-degree low post, receiving a bounce pass from Johnson. Xiao Tu had the advantage in strength, backed down Williams, took a step towards the baseline, turned, and jumped for a fadeaway jumper.

Richardson left Johnson open and rushed in to double-team him, then jumped up with Williams to block the shot. Both were far behind, but Xiao Tu jumped too high.

Xiao Tu possesses exceptional core strength, maintaining his balance even with a significant backward lean during hang time. His shooting form is also perfect, resulting in a clean swish. 84 to 60.

Nets coach Stein called a timeout. If they hadn't, who knows how many points Xiao Tu would have scored.

Hearn exclaimed, "Shaw is amazing! He scored his 46th point, he can make every shot!"

Alan exclaimed, "His fadeaway jumper is beautiful, with excellent hang time and a smooth release. He is definitely the most entertaining player in NBA history."

Hearn agreed: "At the beginning of the season, a lot of people said Shaw wasn't good at attacking with the ball, and I think he just didn't get many shots. He doesn't like to make unnecessary moves now, and he always handles the ball quickly." To increase mobility, Stein played 206cm rookie Jeff Turner at center, while 211cm Gominsky went to the bench to rest.

He instructed his players to double-team Xiao Tu, leaving the others open, and to foul him hard if they couldn't stop him from shooting.

The game continued, and this defensive strategy was indeed effective; Xiao Tu missed two mid-range shots under double-team pressure. However, every time Xiao Tu passed the ball, an opportunity arose. The Lakers' ball movement was excellent, and almost all their points were scored through assists, with multiple players contributing to the offense.

As long as Xiao Tu and Magic Johnson are on the court, they can still play smoothly even without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Role players have a relatively simple role: the two superstars create one-on-one opportunities for each other. Jordan and Pippen, and the Shaq-Kobe duo, are examples of two superstars.

Moreover, Xiao Tu can't be stopped by fouls alone; he's accurate from the free-throw line. He also attempted a three-pointer on a fast break, and drove to the basket for a layup with a Euro step. The Nets couldn't double-team him on the fast break, so Williams had to defend him desperately, drawing two fouls in the process.

Additionally, Xiao Tu is able to grab offensive rebounds. With the center off the court, the Nets mainly rely on Williams to protect the defensive rebounds, but he's at a disadvantage in physical confrontations.

肖途单节又得22分，三节55分12篮板9助攻1抢断2盖帽。

The Lakers led 101-77 by 24 points going into the final quarter, and the game had already entered garbage time.

Riley still put Xiao Tu on the court in the final quarter, hoping he could get a triple-double before resting.

The home team's pride? No one's pride is as important as a 60+ triple-double.

Xiao Tu thought so too; he had to put up amazing numbers.

Xiao Tu only played 31 minutes today but still managed to tie Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career-high of 55 points. He has every reason to continue playing; a super performance would boost his popularity, which is more in the long-term interest of the Lakers.

The most popular star represents terrifying commercial value. If he continues playing like this, Xiao Tu will be everyone's godfather on the Lakers, and even Jerry Buss will have to fawn over him.

Xiao Tu played for another 5 minutes in the final quarter, focusing solely on racking up stats without regard for accuracy, thus exceeding expectations.

他总共出战36分钟，30投23中，三分球11中7，罚球10中10，狂砍63分15篮板11助攻2抢断2盖帽。另外他只有2次犯规，2次失误。

With five fouls and only 11 points and 8 rebounds, Buck Williams was completely overwhelmed and looked dazed when he left the court.

When Xiao Tu left the court, countless Nets fans applauded him, and many chose to leave early.

Xiao Tu clocked out of get off work, and the competition lost its appeal, becoming nothing more than a battle of rookies.

Hearn exclaimed, "Shaw was unbelievably dominant today. This is a back-to-back game, and it's an away game. If he had played a little longer, or taken more free throws, he might have even scored a 70+ triple-double."

Alan laughed and said, "He definitely wants to keep playing, and he has the stamina to keep playing. But he really can't play anymore; the Nets players' defensive moves are getting more and more aggressive."

Hearn laughed and said, "It's not like it used to be. Back then, no matter how many players were ahead, we could keep playing."

魔术师约翰逊得到20分5篮板23助攻2抢断，和肖途一样打了36分钟，助攻数创了个人生涯新高。

In the battle of benches, the Nets held a clear advantage. The Lakers' role players lacked stamina and their shooting percentage was low.

The Lakers won 128-107 on the road, achieving a stunning victory, with Xiao Tu accounting for half of the team's points.

At the Lakers' post-game press conference, reporters focused their cameras and microphones on Xiao Tu, as there was big news to be made.

Xiao Tu shared his thoughts: "My shooting touch was great today, it was an exceptional performance. If I get hot in the future, I'll take more shots. I want to thank the coach for his trust, he gave me unlimited shooting opportunities. I also want to thank Erwin for his help, he passed me many good passes, we are the best partners."

The reporter asked, "Your passing is getting better and better. You had 11 assists today. How did you do that?"

Xiao Tu laughed and said, "Irwin taught me well. When I first joined the team, I wasn't good at passing. He taught me a lot of secrets, and I kept trying them in training and matches, which were very effective."

Xiao Tu casually praised Magic Johnson to make himself seem humble. In reality, everyone knows that passing awareness can't be taught; the passing abilities of the rest of the Lakers haven't improved much.

His stats today were incredible; behind all the understated performance lies a true Versailles story.

(End of this chapter)