Basketball miracles

Chapter 133 [If things are going to go wrong, an exhibition match will do]

During halftime, everyone was discussing Xiao Tu's stats, believing he was going to put up another incredible triple-double today.

Nuggets coach Doug Mo had a bad feeling and couldn't think of any way to limit Xiao Tu's performance.

In the first half of the season, Xiao Tu focused on face-up offense, but towards the end of the regular season, he developed his post-up game, making him even stronger. Opponents couldn't double-team him effectively; he could pass the ball, and the Lakers had many scoring options.

Xiao Tu and Pat Riley discussed it in the locker room and decided to go all out today, aiming for some phenomenal numbers. It's been a long time since a Lakers player has put up such impressive numbers in the playoffs; fans have been eagerly anticipating it.

In the third quarter, Xiao Tu became even more formidable, and his outside shooting also improved.

After setting a screen, Xiao Tu positioned himself outside the three-point line. Knight, standing at 198cm, was afraid Xiao Tu would cut inside and didn't dare to get too close. As a result, Xiao Tu made 2 of 3 pull-up jumpers from beyond the three-point line in the middle, showing a hot hand.

Facing Knight's one-on-one defense, Xiao Tu took the shot without any pressure, knowing that his opponent couldn't block it.

Xiao Tu was unstoppable on the counterattack, not only relying on physical strength but also using a Euro step to fake out Knight once. Knight wasn't as fast as Xiao Tu, and after being faked out, he couldn't even foul him; he could just turn around and see Xiao Tu driving into the paint for a dunk.

The most terrifying thing is that Xiao Tu grabbed three offensive rebounds in this quarter, scoring one two-handed putback, drawing a foul and making the free throws, and assisting Worthy on a cut to the basket for a layup.

Near the end of the quarter, Xiao Tu received the ball on the right low post, turned towards the middle and entered the penalty area, fearlessly facing two double teams and forcefully shooting a fadeaway jumper for a score.

他单节砍下14分，三节40分14篮板6助攻1盖帽。

The Lakers lead 111-98, and the score remains close.

The Nuggets' players also had a high shooting percentage, and even if the Lakers didn't hold back, they couldn't stop them today. The Nuggets secured the second-best record in the Western Conference thanks to their offense, second only to the Lakers in offensive power.

The score was close, but the Nuggets players were not happy; they all realized that something bad was about to happen.

If Xiao Tu continues playing like this, he might be able to score a 50+ triple-double, or even 50+20+10.

50+20+10的三双数据，在NBA历史上只有张伯伦、埃尔金-贝勒两人打出来过。打出过50+10+10三双的，还有对阵篮网的肖途（60+超额完成）和一个名不见经传的控卫里奇-盖伦。

All three had outstanding performances in the regular season, but Xiao Tu's stats today were even more impressive, setting a new historical record.

Doug Mo couldn't significantly improve the interior defense, nor could he stop Xiao Tu from grabbing rebounds. The Nuggets' roster is severely unbalanced; their run to the Western Conference Finals was pure luck.

Due to their poor interior defense, the Nuggets only managed a 52-30 record in the regular season, often conceding over 120 points against weaker teams. If the Rockets eliminate the Jazz to advance, the Nuggets will definitely be eliminated in the second round.

Nobody wanted to be the backdrop for Xiao Tu's record-breaking performance, so Doc Rivers had no choice but to have his players double-team him at any time. One-on-one defense was definitely not enough, and double-teaming was also a tough challenge.

During the break, Riley gave instructions on the sidelines: "Seb, don't attack the basket in half-court sets. Look for opportunities to shoot mid-range or long-range jumpers. Whether it's a fast break or a half-court set, everyone should try to pass the ball to Seb."

"Kurt (Rambis), you stay on the left baseline and draw the defense, don't run around. If Seb draws a double team, you can pass to Kurt..."

Riley had already planned that even if the final quarter became garbage time, he would try to let Xiao Tu play until the end. Coaches have an obligation to help their core players pad their stats, not to deliberately lower their core players' stats to save face for the opponent.

The Lakers' five players on the court were Magic Johnson, Michael Cooper, Worthy, Kurt Rambis, and Xiao Tu.

This lineup has two perimeter playmakers, allowing for better passing and fast breaks. Rambis's rebounding efficiency on the Lakers is second only to Shawn Yue, and Riley is putting him in for rebounding.

Rambis grabs the defensive rebound, allowing Xiao Tu to immediately launch a fast break. If Xiao Tu misses his shot, Rambis can grab the offensive rebound and pass the ball out to his teammates to reorganize the offense.

The Nuggets attacked first. After a few passes, English went one-on-one on the right side, but his step-back jumper missed under Worthy's interference. As Riley predicted, both of the Nuggets' interior players were pulled out to the perimeter.

This was useless against Xiao Tu; he retreated deep, ignoring Wayne Cooper, and easily secured the defensive rebound. Now that he was playing center, he had even more reason to stay near the paint to defend.

Wayne didn't even dare to try for offensive rebounds, knowing he definitely couldn't beat Xiao Tu.

In the Lakers' half-court offense, Xiao Tu set a screen for Magic Johnson beyond the three-point line, causing the Nuggets players considerable trouble. Xiao Tu spent most of his time off the ball, making it difficult to double-team him. Center Wayne dared not switch onto Johnson, and the latter's dribble to the right failed to get past Fat Liff.

It's okay, Johnson's goal wasn't to get past his opponent. Xiao Tu ran from the middle to the right corner and received his pass.

Xiao Tu used his speed to create distance between himself and Wayne, and immediately shot a three-pointer after receiving the ball.

Riley devised this tactic during the break, betting that the opponent's defense against three-point shots wouldn't be tight. Wayne was already a beat slow, and before even jumping, he merely extended his hand to slightly interfere.

Xiao Tu's movements were fluid and his shooting rhythm was perfect; the ball swished through the net! 114 to 98.

After scoring, Xiao Tu raised his right fist in celebration, and the home fans applauded and cheered. He had already scored 43 points, with an exceptionally high shooting percentage today, including 3 out of 4 three-pointers.

Nuggets coach Doc Rivers got impatient and yelled at Wayne from the sidelines, unhappy with his lack of jump shots on defense. But that's how Nuggets players usually train; they don't care if the opponent shoots a three-pointer and they barely defend the paint.

As a center forward, it's already quite an achievement for Wayne to go out with Xiao Tu; he usually stays near the penalty area.

This kind of defense is usually effective because the opponent doesn't even shoot three-pointers. Playing this defense today is basically letting Xiao Tu put on a show.

The Nuggets players still had to rely on offense. Knight drove hard to Michael Cooper and scored a layup, making it 114-100.

Xiao Tu wasn't very proactive in defending and started to give up.

In the Lakers' half-court offense, Xiao Tu first set a screen for Johnson, then received the ball outside the three-point line in the middle and pulled up for a three-pointer over the defense. This time, Wayne jumped to contest, and the ball bounced off the rim.

Riley's strategy of having Shawn avoid cuts to the basket in half-court situations helps prevent him from being double-teamed near the paint. His primary approach is catch-and-shoot jumpers, which makes it harder for opponents to double-team him.

Both sides have already revealed their hand. Xiao Tu's final score will mainly depend on his own shooting touch, not on the Nuggets' defense.

The Nuggets were on offense. English got past Worthy, drew Rambis' help defense, and passed the ball to Dan Issel, who scored with an open mid-range jumper on the left baseline. 114-102.

The Lakers were on offense. Xiao Tu cut inside after setting a screen for Magic Johnson beyond the three-point line. He doesn't necessarily have to play according to Riley's instructions; he can adjust based on the situation on the court.

Wayne is a center who weighs only 100 kilograms. Xiao Tu made a physical challenge with him without the ball, and easily pushed him aside with a small hand move, then received the ball and went down the court.

The referee turned a blind eye to Xiao Tu's dirty tricks. This is how favored stars are; they receive preferential treatment on both offense and defense. Xiao Tu never holds back with his opponents; it would be foolish not to use the whistle when it's available.

In the future, perimeter players across the league would complain that Utah Jazz point guard John Stockton played too dirty, and the media even named him one of the NBA's "Four Villains." But looking at the stats, Stockton's average fouls per game never exceeded three in a single season, making his defense remarkably clean.

This is the role of star referees on the defensive end. When an opponent is hit on the shoulder, thigh, instep, ankle, tripped, elbowed, or groin by Stockton, the referee will deem it all as normal defensive play.

Are all NBA referees blind? They just have a standardized set of rules. If a different role player plays like that, they'll be ejected before halftime.

In comparison, Xiao Tu's action was really just a small movement and wouldn't hurt anyone at all. He was always embarrassed to elbow people, feeling that he had gone too far.

Johnson's pass was perfectly timed. Xiao Tu took two big steps into the paint but didn't dunk; instead, he opted for a one-handed floater.

Isaiah came into position to help defend and jumped with all his might under the basket, but missed the block, and the ball went wide. Before he could even catch his breath, Xiao Tu jumped again, grabbed the offensive rebound, and put it back in with both hands. 116-102.

Isaiah and Wayne double-teamed Xiao Tu, but neither of them were as physically capable, and they couldn't stop him from grabbing the offensive rebound and scoring on second-chance opportunities.

After landing, Xiao Tu could jump repeatedly without pausing, his legs not even bending. Even Moses Malone, who was originally best at this style of play, was ashamed of himself; there was a clear difference in their jumping ability.

When Malone shoots in the paint, he doesn't jump high or make accurate shots, which makes the opponent jump to block. He can land first and then jump again, creating a time difference to grab the offensive rebound.

This is also a technique that requires strong, continuous jumping ability. Malone has a keen sense for rebounding, averaging more than 5 offensive rebounds per game for eight consecutive seasons.

This was Xiao Tu's 45th point and 16th rebound. The first game of the Western Conference Finals had completely turned into his exhibition game!
(End of this chapter)