Knicks: Ewing, Zhao Dong, Oakley, Allan Houston, Charlie Ward
Magic: Ronnie Pincarelli, Horace Grant, Dennis Scott, Nick Anderson, Anfernee Hardaway
In the Magic's locker room, Horace Grant's phone buzzed. It was Michael Jordan on the line.
"Horace, teach that rookie a lesson for me," Jordan said.
"Michael, are you serious?" Grant replied, surprised.
"That guy's trouble. Do this for me, and dinner's on me next time," Jordan offered.
"Deal. When I'm back in Chicago, you're picking up the tab," Grant chuckled.
Meanwhile, in the Knicks' locker room, Zhao Dong received a system notification:
All-Star Sniper Mission: Michael Jordan has enlisted Magic power forward Horace Grant to challenge you. Your objective is to counter his efforts.
Criteria:
If Grant blocks or steals the ball from you three times, you fail.
If Grant causes you to commit three turnovers, you fail.
Limit Grant to under 10 points with a shooting percentage below 40%.
Hold Grant to fewer than 6 rebounds.
Achieve at least 20 points and 10 rebounds yourself.
Rewards:
Complete criteria 1, 2, and 3: Earn 1 skill point.
Complete criteria 1 through 4: Earn 2 skill points.
Complete all criteria: Acquire Grant's cutting technique.
"Cutting technique?" Zhao Dong mused, intrigued.
Off-ball movement is crucial, especially for a player without primary ball-handling duties. Enhancing this skill would be invaluable.
Zhao Dong knew Horace Grant well. At 31, Grant was a key component of the Bulls' first dynasty, known for his defensive prowess and mid-range game. Standing at 6'10" and weighing 215 pounds, he was agile but not particularly strong. Zhao Dong saw an opportunity to exploit this by leveraging his own strength and athleticism, especially in securing offensive rebounds and executing second-chance points.
Larry Johnson was back from injury but would come off the bench, as discussed with Coach Van Gundy. When the starting lineups were announced, the teams crossed paths in the tunnel.
"Rookie, I'm going to make your night miserable," Grant sneered at Zhao Dong.
"Sorry, Horace, I don't swing that way. Keep your fantasies to yourself," Zhao Dong shot back, prompting laughter from Oakley and others.
Grant's face flushed with anger. Being disrespected by a rookie was a blow to his pride.
The game wasn't nationally televised, but CCTV chose to broadcast it live.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Sun Zhenping."
"And I'm Zhang Heli."
"We're here at the Magic's home court. With O'Neal moving to the West this season, the Magic's interior strength has diminished, but they're still a playoff contender," Sun noted.
"They acquired Ronnie Pincarelli, the Warriors' starting center, who averages close to 15 points and 10 rebounds. While he doesn't fill O'Neal's void, he's a competent starter," Zhang added.
"Power forward Horace Grant remains a defensive anchor, maintaining solid performance despite his age," Sun continued.
"Small forward Dennis Scott boasts a career three-point shooting percentage near 40%. In April, he set a record with 11 three-pointers in a single game," Zhang highlighted.
"Shooting guard Nick Anderson and Penny Hardaway form a formidable backcourt, though Anderson's confidence wavered after missing crucial free throws in the 1995 Finals," Sun recalled.
"Hardaway, once seen as Magic Johnson's successor, now lacks a dominant big man to pass to with O'Neal gone," Zhang observed.
"Coach Zhang, Zhao Dong has recorded three consecutive 20-point, 10-rebound games. Fans are calling him China's top basketball player. What's your professional take on his performance and future?" Sun inquired.
"Zhao Dong is still adapting to the league, primarily facing other rookies, which might inflate his stats. I anticipate fluctuations in his performance, which is normal. The Knicks see potential in him, evident from his multi-million dollar contract. We should be patient and watch him develop," Zhang responded.
"Do you think he can maintain a 20-point, 10-rebound performance tonight?" Sun asked.
"Facing a seasoned defender like Grant, Zhao Dong should remain cautious. Underestimating Grant could lead to setbacks," Zhang advised with a smile.
As the teams warmed up, Ewing approached Zhao Dong.
"Zhao, you take the tip-off," Ewing said, aware of his own knee and ankle issues and recognizing Zhao Dong's athleticism.
"Got it," Zhao Dong replied, stepping up eagerly.
He understood Ewing's physical limitations and saw this season as an opportunity to position himself as the Knicks' future cornerstone. While Allan Houston was a sharpshooter, Zhao Dong believed his own versatility and potential could lead the team in the coming years.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do you want to read Advanced Chapters?
Visit this link:
Påtreon.com/Fanficlord03