Basketball miracles

Chapter 210 [The Emperor's New Clothes]

In the final quarter, Wade sat on the bench, clocking out early.

Wade scored 27 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, delivering a very impressive performance.

He scored 9 points in the third quarter, mainly from free throws, making 5 of 6. He was sharp on fast breaks, and Cavaliers players fouled him multiple times to prevent him from going for a layup.

On one occasion, Wade successfully drove past LeBron James one-on-one and made a layup. His speed was so fast that he would definitely drive past any opponent who was faked out, leaving James helpless and unable to catch up.

Xiao Tu thought he was going to rest too, but the coach told him to continue playing.

Pat Riley, taking over the reins, also wasn't going to hold back for the Cavaliers. "Shaw, if James continues to play in the fourth quarter, I want to see you go for the bullseye on him. Are you okay with that?"

“Coach, you can call me Seb.” Xiao Tu first addressed the issue of address, then laughed and said, “As long as the Cavaliers don’t double-team, I can keep going one-on-one against LeBron James until Nike regrets signing him to such a big contract.”

Xiao Tu didn't lower his voice, and many people heard what he said. Riley and Van Gundy were both stunned.

He's too arrogant; if word gets out, it'll be considered classic trash talk.

Haslem practically idolizes Xiao Tu. He could never achieve that level in basketball, but he's willing to follow such a leader.

Wade was completely convinced. He became particularly obedient and didn't dare to speak when he saw Riley, who was like a godfather to him. Xiao Tu, on the other hand, was no different from usual, chatting and laughing, and was very happy that the coach had "added responsibility" to him.

Riley laughed and said, "Very good, go for it, let us see your skills. The point guard crosses half-court and passes the ball to Seb, everyone spread out to create a one-on-one opportunity for him."

By changing how he addressed her, Riley felt that their relationship had become closer.

It's a strange feeling; even though it's their first time meeting today, it feels like they've known each other for ages.

Xiao Tu knew that Riley liked confident people and those who dared to take responsibility. It was fine for him to boast, but the key was that he had to have real ability. If Riley gave him the ball and he couldn't play well, it would be a joke.

Xiao Tu knows he can definitely play well. He's not sure about playing against other stars, but young LeBron James doesn't have the ability to make him a laughing stock.

For the Cavaliers, James continued to play in the final quarter, and the coach fielded several starters.

Silas isn't thinking about winning right now; he just wants to help James pad his stats to a respectable level. James is currently only scoring 7 points, getting blown out by the Heat's second-round rookie.

With the Heat in possession, Xiao Tu walked to the frontcourt, smiled at James, who was guarding him, and said nothing.

James broke out in a cold sweat the moment he saw that smile. He had been struggling on both ends of the court that day, feeling like he was no match for Xiao Tu, and even considered moving to the side to let a teammate take over the defense.

Although James' current abilities are lacking, his intuition is extremely accurate.

Xiao Tu, who had won an NBA championship, had the upper hand in terms of skill, experience, and mentality when facing young LeBron James one-on-one, but his physical attributes were inferior to his opponent's.

While physical attributes are important, they don't determine everything. Just look at the future performances of players like Josh Smith, DeAndre Jordan, and Ben Simmons. No matter how gifted a player is, they still need skill. LeBron James developed his skills gradually and has consistently improved since entering the league.

Xiao Tu received the ball in the middle, creating a triple threat, and then went one-on-one. The Cavaliers didn't double-team him; everyone felt they shouldn't help at this point, as it would offend James.

Is it impossible for a number one draft pick to defend against a second-round pick one-on-one?
Xiao Tu dribbled between his legs and passed the ball to his right hand, who drove into the three-point line from the right side. James followed up from the side. Just as Xiao Tu was about to close in on James, he pulled the ball up with his right hand, turned 360 degrees, and took a fadeaway jump shot towards the middle.

James stepped back a bit too far, and seeing Xiao Tu turn around, he quickly stepped forward and jumped to block. He jumped very high but was a fraction of a second too slow; Xiao Tu had already released the ball, and it swished through! 86 to 50.

This is Xiao Tu's 30th point. Not only did he score, but his shot was also very beautiful. He celebrated with a fist clench.

All the viewers noticed that the biggest difference between the two was not in their statistics, but in their playing styles.

LeBron James's technical skills are nowhere near Xiao Tu's; he's not even worthy of carrying his shoes. Xiao Tu's play was on par with James's, making James's performance utterly inferior.

Returning to the defensive end, Xiao Tu continued to primarily guard James.

There was no provocation, no trash talk; Xiao Tu was simply enjoying the basketball game. He had a great mentality; all the pressure was on James. "I'm just a second-round rookie," he thought. "If I can defend him, I will; if I can't, it doesn't matter. Anyway, nobody had high hopes for me before the game."

My opponent isn't some nobody; he's the future GOAT, with a ton of past records. It's not shameful if I can't beat him.

Xiao Tu consistently focused on defending drives, not shots, making things quite easy for him. James pulled up for a three-pointer, and Xiao Tu jumped to contest it. James dodged the block but missed again.

James was under too much pressure and didn't perform at his full potential; his shooting was even worse than in regular practice.

Today was supposed to be the day the young emperor went on tour, but James showed everyone "the emperor's new clothes".

Haslem grabbed the defensive rebound, quietly racking up a condensed 10+10 double-double. In the Heat's half-court offense, the point guard dribbled up the court and passed to Xiao Tu, who was backing down to the ball a step inside the three-point line on the left wing, while his teammates spread out.

Since dominating Japanese high school players in the 90s, Xiao Tu has become very casual about where he receives the ball. This is because he is confident in his ball-handling skills and can bring the ball to a safe shooting position before taking the shot.

What he needs is space to dribble, and his teammates shouldn't all crowd around the penalty area.

Xiao Tu, close to James, dribbled a step towards the middle with his right hand as the ball fell, then gathered the ball a step in front of the free-throw line and took three steps laterally. James could have caught up, but was blocked by Diop, who was positioned in the paint, and could only watch helplessly as Xiao Tu got past him.

Xiao Tu launched a fadeaway jumper from the right side at a 50-degree angle. Diop, like a fool, only managed to reach out a hand, of course missing the block. Xiao Tu's release arc was high; although not perfectly straight, the ball bounced twice on the rim and went in.

88 to 50, Xiao Tu's 32nd point.

Riley applauded Xiao Tu from the sidelines, feeling that this play truly showcased his individual ability. Only someone with exceptional vision would actively dribble to find a double team. If Diop had reacted in time to help defend, Xiao Tu would have easily passed the ball to the basket, assisting his team's center for an easy score.

Xiao Tu's playing style is so similar to Magic Johnson's that it's as if Riley has been transported back to the 80s. Moreover, Xiao Tu's shooting accuracy is better than Johnson's, his offensive desire is stronger, and his ambition is greater.

James knew he had to retaliate, so he dribbled the ball close to Xiao Tu and forced his way through. He was strong and fast, but when he forced his way to the basket, he was facing more than just Xiao Tu's defense.

The 210cm unnamed substitute center jumped up with Xiao Tu to interfere. James' layup missed, and he even went out of bounds due to inertia. Xiao Tu picked up the rebound and launched a fast break.

He easily dribbled behind his back, getting past the help defense of small forward Kapono, drawing the defense of guard Clifton, and passed the ball to veteran point guard Beembo Coles, who easily scored a layup. 90-50.

Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Tu was just one rebound and one assist away from achieving a triple-double, and the point difference between the two sides had widened to 40 points.

James was in a bind; he had no choice but to play. The gap in their statistics was too large. If he didn't play, it would be a sign of retreat; but if he did, he couldn't score.

James once again tried to isolate and attack, but Xiao Tu closely marked him, unable to break through his suffocating defense. While James possesses great strength, he doesn't know how to utilize his physical advantages; once backed down, he can't push anyone, and his turning movements are stiff.

The Cavaliers had no one to screen for them, no one to run around, they just stood by and watched the two go one-on-one.

Finally, James attempted a crab-style jump shot, but missed, and Haslem grabbed the rebound.

After James made the jump shot, he spread his legs and landed in a horse stance, which made many spectators laugh.

Xiao Tu knew this move was no simple feat; it was ugly but highly effective. However, his talent for flashy, ineffective moves was so deeply ingrained that he couldn't imitate it. James's stance after a jump shot could prevent him from being fouled; even someone as dark-skinned as Bowen couldn't foul him. This was a major reason why he hadn't suffered any serious injuries in over 20 years in the league in this parallel world.

Moreover, Xiao Tu felt that this action was very similar to the indestructible golden body of Jue Wushen in "Storm Riders", a very powerful cylindrical shape.

If LeBron James's moves weren't so effective, how could someone with such an ugly playing style have so many fans in the future? Surely these people aren't all just armchair fans who only look at stats and don't watch the games?
In a Heat half-court offense, Xiao Tu received the ball inside the three-point line on the right side, threatening three opponents. He faked a right-handed drop shot, then changed direction and drove hard to the left. He took one step, gathered the ball, and took three more steps before driving to the basket for a layup. James seized the opportunity and shoved Xiao Tu hard from the side, knocking him to the ground.

The ball didn't go in, but the referee, unless he's completely wrong, will definitely call a defensive foul, and Xiao Tu gets two free throws.

The fans in the stadium booed, saying that pushing someone while they're going for a layup was disgusting and could easily cause injury.

Xiao Tu took a fall but was not seriously injured. He made both free throws, scoring his 34th point. 92 to 50.

The Heat went on an 8-0 run in the final quarter, they went on a scoring spree!

(End of this chapter)