Where the noise did not reach

Chapter 136 From Horror Movies to Thriller Movies
In the visiting team's locker room at the Smoothie King Center, tonight's guests are struggling with how to limit the venue's owners.

Aside from Deron Williams, the league has yet to find a good way to limit Paul.

Kidd looks like a complete failure.

Although they only played half the game, the visibly different skill levels made the Grizzlies realize that relying on Kidd's so-called experience and awareness to fight Paul would only result in him being ruthlessly defeated by the opponent's youthful legs. This shows how cruel the power of time is for athletes.

This is undoubtedly a heavy blow to Kidd. Despite being 35 years old, he still considers himself one of the league's top point guards. But tonight, he was helpless against Paul.

A barely perceptible hint of contempt rose in Mark Jafaroni's heart.

Kidd, the self-proclaimed control freak who calls himself an on-court coach, has ultimately been completely surpassed by the younger generation. He detests Kidd's erosion of coaching authority, resents his unauthorized actions on the court, and is even more dissatisfied with Kidd's rejection of the SSOL system he wanted to promote.

That's the only offensive system that Jaffaroni is proficient in. If they don't play in the SSOL, it doesn't really matter who coaches the Grizzlies—the coaching staff just lets Kidd control the game and adapt to the situation, lacking a corresponding tactical system.

Now, Paul has become an unsolvable problem for them.

If even Kidd can't contain Paul, what difference would it make if someone else came on? Kyle Lowry was even outplayed by the opposing bench, and Jarius Jackson's defense is already struggling in the NCAA; if he were to match up against Paul, the outcome would be unimaginable.

Even more crucially, Paul's most outstanding quality at the point guard position lies in his consistently elite defense, despite being only 183 centimeters tall. As long as he's not facing Deron Williams, he's practically the Hornets' perimeter defensive anchor. The Grizzlies' lack of individual offensive ability at the point guard position simply couldn't wear him down on offense, allowing Paul to dedicate more energy to playmaking.

Kidd sat alone in the corner, vigorously wiping his face with a towel, as if trying to erase the humiliation of the first half. Every time Paul scored easily in front of him, he could feel Byron Scott's subtle gaze from the sidelines—a gaze that intertwined pity and the triumph of a victor, more suffocating than any blatant trash talk.

This is the man. The coach he once trusted implicitly, but who was ultimately driven out by his own hands.

Now that Scott has achieved great success, he brings a young, talented point guard to the playoffs, where the young man defeats him in an indefensible way.

Mark Jaffaroni paced back and forth in front of the tactics board, his voice hoarse: "We need to better contain CP3, Jason, you need to."

"I can not do it."

This was an unfortunate moment. Jaffaroni's mind was in complete disarray. He had no clear strategy and only wanted to take things one step at a time, so his actions were just repeating the failure of the first half.

But Kidd believes he made enough fools of himself in the first half.

Kidd's words were devoid of emotion, simply stating a fact: "I'm 35 years old. If you expect me to guard Chris Paul now, you're destined to be disappointed."

This sounds like they're trying to shift the blame for their failure in the first half.

Jaffaroni's face turned from red to pale. That's the attitude, that perpetually self-righteous attitude! This control freak always thinks he knows more than the coaching staff!
"Then what do you suggest?" Jaffaroni practically asked through gritted teeth. "Should we put Kyle in? Or Jarius in? Or should we pray that Chris Paul will be lenient in the second half?"

"Let Eli handle it."

Kidd spoke as if it were a matter of course.

"What?" Jafaroni thought he had misheard.

“I said, let Eli guard Chris Paul.” Kidd stood up, his gaze sweeping over Xu Ling before fixing on Jaffaroni. “It’s the only option. I can’t catch Paul, but Eli can. His height, wingspan, and speed can all disrupt Paul.”

Jaffaroni felt a sense of absurdity: "Let our offensive star guard their star point guard? Are you kidding me? This will exhaust him, and what will happen to our offense?"

“Leave the offense to me.” Kidd stepped forward, applying pressure subtly. “I’ll orchestrate the offense, I’ll find open teammates. And if Eli can contain Paul on defense, we’ll have more fast break opportunities!”

“No!” Jafaroni refused outright. “This decision is too crazy! We can’t put such a burden on Eli!”

In Kidd's view, an incompetent player like Jaffaroni only needs to master the timing of timeouts and substitutions to have done his job.

How dare he oppose my suggestion now?
Frustrated by a lackluster first half, Kidd snapped, "Paul completely destroyed us in the first half! Everyone saw it! If you really have a solution, just say it. Just stop telling us to 'play good defense'—we've had enough of that nonsense!"

The two were on the verge of exchanging blows; clearly, this unpleasant feeling had been building between them for some time.

I just didn't expect that this temporary setback would cause such emotions to erupt.

Xu Ling found it strange. Wasn't his opinion the key to this matter? Why were these two arguing instead?
Just as Xu Ling was about to speak, Dave Joerger, the defensive assistant coach who had been silent, cautiously interjected: "Mark, maybe we can try Jason's suggestion. If Eli guards Paul, we can adjust the other matchups accordingly. Let Josh guard West. Let Trevor start in the second half, using his size and athleticism to disrupt Peja. Although we're at a height disadvantage, our rotation speed will be faster."

Dave Joerger's words gave Jafaroni a way out, but his anger did not subside.

Kidd blatantly crossed the line today, completely disregarding his position as head coach—in that case, what's the point of maintaining a facade of harmony? It would be better to speak frankly and let things settle down.

However, Jaffaroni knew better than anyone that if a conflict erupted in the locker room with Kidd and led to a loss, his job as a cheap coach would likely be over. The Grizzlies were a rising playoff team, and no ambitious coach would easily give up on this platform.

He took a deep breath and forced down his surging emotions.

From a purely tactical perspective, Kidd's suggestion might be correct—having Xu Ling guard Paul could indeed replicate the remarkable effect of the Bulls having Pippen guard Magic Johnson back in the day.

But Jaffaroni understood even better: if this adjustment succeeded, Kidd would become even more reckless in the future; if it failed, he would be the one to bear the responsibility.

He didn't want to make this decision alone, so he finally turned to the person who truly had the authority: "Eli, what do you think? Are you willing to guard Paul?"

Xu Ling calmly observed this power struggle. He didn't understand why Kidd chose this moment to turn against the coach, but he clearly sensed that Jaffaroni wanted him to refuse.

In Jaffaroni's mind, even if Xu Ling didn't offer help, there was absolutely no way he would side with Kidd. He was the kind of person who could suppress his arch-rival to an indefinite suspension at the beginning of the season just because of personal likes and dislikes, so why would he take on such a difficult task?
However, Marc Jafaroni's blind spot in thinking has led to the reality he is facing now—he has completely misjudged Xu Ling.

“I can give it a try,” Xu Ling said calmly.

These five simple words struck Jaffaroni like a heavy hammer blow to the chest.

He watched helplessly as the power balance in the locker room began to tilt, only to find that he had long since lost the ability to control the situation.

Jaffaroni's expression shifted from anger to struggle, finally settling into a numb compromise.

He surveyed the locker room. Kidd's gaze was as hard as iron, Xu Ling seemed indifferent but his words left no room for doubt, and the rest of the team watched him silently, awaiting his final decision.

Jaffaroni understood that the team's helm was no longer in his hands.

When did this start?

Jaffaroni took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and said, "Okay, we'll do it your way. Eli, you'll be guarding Chris Paul in the second half. Trevor will start against Peja. Josh, your job is to keep an eye on David West and prevent him from getting comfortable passes and shots."

Finally, Jafaroni paused for a moment, as if making a last-ditch effort, but ultimately said to Kidd, "Jason, the offense is yours."

These few words almost stripped Jaffaroni of his authority as head coach. He stopped giving specific tactical instructions, because any tactics seemed pale and powerless in the face of the combined will of Xu Ling and Kidd.

However, Jaffaroni was unaware that the person with the highest decision-making power in this room did not care about his power struggle with Kidd; all he cared about was winning this match.

When the second half began, the players from both sides returned to the field, and those on the field quickly noticed something was amiss.

"The Grizzlies have made a roster change; they're moving Josh Howard to the power forward position!" TNT's Harlan immediately posed the question to his partner. "Doug, what impact do you think this change will have on the game?"

While Collins' coaching record as a former NBA coach wasn't particularly dazzling, he was widely recognized as a tactical mastermind. One industry expert jokingly remarked that if he could call a timeout every possession, Collins would be the greatest coach in NBA history.

With this tactical insight, Collins immediately understood the Grizzlies' intentions: "Given Memphis's interior depth, no amount of adjustments can compensate for their disadvantages, so they're doing the opposite—maximizing their wing advantage. The wing trio of Eli, Josh, and Ariza is virtually unmatched in the entire league. What I'm most looking forward to now is seeing how they demonstrate dominance on the defensive end."

The Grizzlies had possession of the ball on their first possession of the second half.

Kidd dribbled past half-court, and Paul immediately closed in. But Kidd remained calm, shielding the ball with his body and observing the situation on the court.

Xu Ling began to make off-the-ball runs, with Peterson close behind. However, Xu Ling used Milicic's screen to force his way in, and Kidd delivered a perfectly timed bounce pass.

Xu Ling received the ball and, facing Peja who had switched onto him, did not force a shot but quickly passed the ball to Ariza, who was left open on the outside.

Ariza didn't hesitate and took a three-pointer—unfortunately, he used a little too much force and the shot bounced off the rim.

"Don't worry about it!" Xu Ling said as he returned to defense. "Let's stop them from scoring this ball!"

Then, when Xu Ling was matched up against Paul, Kidd guarded Peterson, Ariza was guarded by Peja, and Howard went to guard West, Collins made his own judgment: "So, from now on, everything depends on defense, everything depends on talent!"

Paul dribbled forward, trying to shake off Xu Ling with his signature rhythm changes, but he soon discovered that the situation was completely different.

Xu Ling's defensive strategy was extremely clear: give him a step, prevent his drive, and use his height and wingspan to disrupt his shot. He didn't try to steal the ball easily, but instead acted like a moving wall, firmly blocking Paul's driving route.

Xu Ling's lateral movement ability is outstanding, and when facing Paul, he keeps his center of gravity low enough that no matter how Paul changes direction to try to gain position, Xu Ling can always block the position half a step in advance.

Paul attempted a speed breakthrough, but Xu Ling's long arms constantly enveloped him, preventing him from gaining a comfortable pace. Forced to stop, Paul tried to find West, only to discover that Josh Howard was sticking to West like glue. Although Howard was shorter than West, his strength was no less than West's, and he was even more agile. Howard was now constantly using fronting defense to disrupt West's receiving of the ball.

Paul had no choice but to pass the ball to Peja. Ariza immediately closed in, his long arms waving in front of Peja, disrupting his shooting rhythm.

Peja made a forced shot, but it missed again.

Milicic fought hard to secure the defensive rebound.

Kidd received the pass and immediately launched a fast break. His pass accurately found Howard, who was making a run down the weak side. Howard drew the defense and then passed to Xu Ling, who was following up. Under Paul's pursuit, Xu Ling did not force a layup, but instead used a convincing passing fake to get Paul off the line, and then easily scored off the backboard.

49 is better than 53
Paul's expression turned serious. He dribbled the ball across half-court again and, facing Xu Ling's defense, called for West to set a screen.

This is the Hornets' most lethal weapon.

Xu Ling was firmly blocked by West, giving Paul a moment of space. He immediately accelerated and darted toward the penalty area like a venomous snake.

Just when Paul thought he had gotten rid of the defense, Josh Howard, who was originally guarding West, showed amazing ability to switch and help defend. He was not completely taken away by West, but moved in advance and accurately blocked Paul's driving route.

Caught off guard, Paul nearly collided with Howard. He slammed on the brakes, his rhythm disrupted. In that split second, Xu Ling, who had been shielded by a screen, abandoned his switch to guard West and, with his excellent screen-running skills and speed, headed straight for Paul's blind spot.

In the blink of an eye, Paul was caught in a tight double-team between Xu Ling and Howard.

He could only manage a pass, but his intention had been seen through. Ariza's long arms intercepted the passing lane and cleared the ball out of bounds!
"Wow!!! Perfect defense!" Harlan exclaimed. "Howard's positioning was crucial! Eli's recovery speed was also very fast! Ariza was also in the right position!"

"Yes!" Collins shouted in agreement. "The Hornets might be in big trouble!"

Byron Scott frowned on the sidelines. He had anticipated the Grizzlies would make adjustments, but he hadn't expected them to be so thorough.

Xu Ling's one-on-one pressure on Paul, Howard's mobility and rotation at the power forward position, Ariza's entanglement of outside shooters, and the team's clear defensive communication formed an impenetrable net.

The Hornets inbounded the ball, Paul received it, and with little time remaining, he had no choice but to force a one-on-one against Xu Ling. After a series of crossover dribbles to create an open shot, he pulled up and launched a jump shot!

Xu Ling reacted immediately after losing his position, extending his arm fully and almost blocking Paul's shooting point.

"boom!"

The ball bounced off the front edge of the rim and went wide again!

Xu Ling immediately turned and rushed to grab the rebound. Although he failed to get it, his aggressiveness and defensive presence put unprecedented pressure on Paul.

Kidd grabbed the rebound and immediately made a long pass to Ariza, who had already started his run.

Ariza swept across the midfield like lightning, received a pass from Kidd, ignored Peterson chasing behind him, and slammed the ball into the basket with one hand!

51 is better than 53!

With the score difference reduced to just 2 points, the Hornets were forced to call a timeout.

During the timeout, Scott yelled at his players, demanding they be more patient and decisive.

The Hornets tried to change things up, giving the ball more to West in the low post. But Howard used his strong body to hold off West, constantly applying pressure and making every turn and shot extremely difficult for West.

West attempted two low-post isolation plays, one of which missed due to Howard's interference, and the other was disrupted by Ariza's help defense, resulting in two missed shots.

On the offensive end, Kidd completely controlled the tempo, creating opportunities for Howard and Xu Ling. Howard hit consecutive mid-range jump shots, while Ariza and Xu Ling scored 4 points with a layup and a fast break after a steal and pass.

At the start of the third quarter, the Grizzlies went on a 13-2 run.

Even when the Hornets called a timeout, they couldn't stop the Grizzlies' upward momentum.

Xu Ling's offensive stats during this surge weren't particularly impressive, scoring only 2 points on fast breaks. However, his successful containment of Paul on the other end was the fundamental reason for this offensive surge. He was like a shadow in the light, relentlessly guarding Paul and directly cutting off the Hornets' offensive organization.

Under Xu Ling's defense, Paul went 0-for-3 in the first half of the third quarter, scoring no points from the field and only getting 2 points from free throws, while also committing 2 turnovers.

The Smoothie King Center was enveloped in an eerie atmosphere.

The home fans seemed to have their throats choked, replaced by increasingly anxious whispers and incredulous sighs. The Hornets, who had controlled the game at halftime, appeared to have transformed into a team that couldn't play basketball in the first five minutes of the second half.

Byron Scott paced back and forth on the sidelines, his face ashen. He tried making substitutions, replacing Peterson with Pargo, attempting to add another ball-handler; he tried to get Paul to make more off-the-ball runs, but Xu Ling was like his shadow, always following him closely no matter where he ran.

Moreover, the Grizzlies' initial defensive strategy was limited to man-to-man defense. As they continued to defend, Kidd, the strategist, began to devise on-the-spot strategies. Xu Ling, as a player from the future, also knew how to defend a small lineup. As a result, the Grizzlies' defense became more and more organized, and various delicate plays and rotations began to emerge.

But Paul is Paul after all; an MVP-caliber player won't sit idly by. Xu Ling will give him a step of space when defending his shot.

Just as the shot clock was about to expire, Paul, with a step away from the three-point line, suddenly pulled up for a jump shot without any warning.

Xu Ling reacted extremely quickly, rushing forward to interfere, but Paul's shot was very decisive.

"Shh!"

58 is better than 60
The Hornets finally broke their three-minute scoring drought, narrowing the gap to 2 points.

This goal acted like a shot in the arm, stabilizing the team's morale.

After landing, Paul clenched his fist and said to Xu Ling, "You can't stop me, Eli!"

Xu Ling's face remained expressionless; he simply replied, "Continue."

The Grizzlies' subsequent counterattack failed, giving the Hornets a good opportunity to continue closing the gap.

Paul tried to use the same trick again, but Xu Ling's close defense was always there for him. This time, he accurately predicted Paul's movement and blocked the ball like an eagle's claw.

The basketball hit the side of the rim and bounced far away.

Kidd secured the long rebound and immediately launched a Grizzlies counterattack.

This time, Kidd didn't look for anyone else; instead, he dribbled the ball at full speed. His aging legs seemed to be infused with new energy. He used his body to shake off Pargo's pursuit, but before he could release the shot, he saw Paul's figure. So, he calmly passed the ball to Xu Ling, who was following up.

"NOOOOOOO!!!!!"

Although Hornets fans were fiercely criticizing Xu Ling, they did know who was in the most danger receiving the ball at that moment.

Xu Ling received the ball and found himself in a wide-open space. Without any hesitation, he placed his feet firmly outside the three-point line and pulled up for a shot.

"Shh!"

"Eli hits a fast break three-pointer!"

"The Hornets are like drowning people who can't get to shore. They have to find the answer, or the Grizzlies will win their first playoff game in franchise history on their home court!"

Now, the point difference is back to 5 points.

Paul lost the ease and confidence he displayed in the first half. He dribbled the ball anxiously, eager to score but knowing his touch was ice cold.

He instinctively called for Peja to set a screen. The instant the screen was set, Xu Ling and Ariza quickly switched defenses. This was a golden opportunity for Paul to isolate Ariza—far easier than facing Xu Ling. But the momentum of his pass led him to a fatal mistake.

Peja will never get to touch that pass.

Xu Ling cut into the passing lane like a ghost and intercepted the ball with a snap. In the next few seconds, the Hornets' home arena seemed to echo with the roar of an airplane taking off—except this time, it was the engine of a Grim Reaper's private jet.

Hornets fans, who watched the first half of the game with great satisfaction, never expected that the second half would start like a horror movie and end like a thriller.

Xu Ling dribbled like a black lightning bolt towards the frontcourt, stopping abruptly beyond the three-point line. Facing an empty defense, he chose the habit that Bobby Knight had been criticizing from the beginning of the season all the way to the national championships: a fast break 1-on-0 situation, but opting to take a pull-up three-pointer.

"Whoosh!!!"

The net trembled slightly, like a thunderclap, officially drawing the curtain on the final match.

(End of this chapter)