"At the start of the game, Sickle has already scored once and assisted twice. Crucially, one of those scores was a layup off a drive," Harland commented, his camera capturing Lian Dao's every move.
Since his last published piece gained popularity, Harland had been promoted to special correspondent and rewarded generously, attributing it to Lian Dao's influence. He faithfully believed in Lian Dao's luck and made sure not to miss any of USC's games, especially today's intense matchup.
Aware of their current lack of interior strength, USC had shifted tactics from their traditional low-post offense to emphasize outside pick-and-rolls for scoring opportunities. Darren Collison exploited this strategy, maneuvering through his teammates' screens to attack the paint.
Lian Dao, tasked with defending Josh Shipp while helping cover Collison, found himself challenged by Collison's savvy pass to Nikola Dragovic, who drove in for an easy layup, pushing the score to 5-4.
Dribbling against the imposing Josh Shipp, Lian Dao faced a smarter opponent this time, opting not for a direct drive but a retreat dribble. Faking a drive, he smoothly executed a step-back just beyond the three-point line.
Caught off guard, Josh Shipp could only watch as Lian Dao created space and released a quick, precise shot.
Swish.
Score: 5-7.
"Lian Dao's three-point shooting is his strongest asset; his drives are more spontaneous," Harland noted, capturing the decisive shot.
The score incensed Coach Howland slightly, who admonished Shipp to focus less on Lian Dao's drives—due to his modest speed—and more on contesting his perimeter shots.
"That's his biggest flaw at the three: limited penetration," Howland shouted. "Watch his distance and defend the three!"
Critics often highlighted this weakness in Lian Dao's game, especially concerning his potential in the NBA, where the demands on small forwards include strong driving ability. The gap between NCAA and NBA defense further compounded uncertainties about Lian Dao's future draft prospects, currently hovering near the end of the first round.
"But in NCAA, knowing the play is one thing; stopping it is another," Harland concluded, emphasizing the complexity of translating skills to effective play at higher levels.
At that moment, Josh Shipp was reminded of Lian Dao's inability to drive past defenders, having been shaken by Lian Dao's aggressive approach earlier.
Darren Collison initiated a drive from the perimeter.
DeMar immediately moved in for the double-team.
Collison quickly passed the ball to Holiday just as the double-team was forming, but Lian Dao intercepted the pass midway.
USC swiftly launched a counterattack on defense.
Lian Dao dribbled the ball straight beyond the opponent's three-point line, closely trailed by Gibson cutting towards the basket.
Josh Shipp now focused on defending Lian Dao's outside shooting threat.
Lian Dao launched the ball directly towards the basket from outside the three-point arc.
Just as Gibson leaped for the basket, Lian Dao's pass arrived precisely on time.
Gibson caught the ball and dunked.
After the dunk, Gibson pulled his jersey forcefully.
5:9
"Wow, that steal was electrifying!"
"Lian Dao accurately anticipated Collison's pass and had been tracking it".
"His wingspan is truly an advantage. Despite his slower speed on fast breaks, his lengthy reach allows him to execute steals".
"But most importantly, his passing is exceptional. He always knows where his teammates are positioned"
Van Gundy, who had coached outstanding forwards like McGrady, was genuinely impressed by Lian Dao.
USC's defensive counterattack is really remarkable!
Even Mike Brin, who was quite critical earlier, has changed his tune!
"C'mon man, aren't you the uncrowned king?"
"However, you guys are struggling with your passes and you keep trying to make threes"
"Weren't you guys claiming to be unbeatable inside last season?"
"See, they're not going to pass to you now because I'll show you what real defense looks like!"
Gibson was fired up. This usually composed senior was aggressively challenging Nikola Dragovic!
Dragovic was visibly annoyed by Gibson. As soon as Collison got the ball past half-court, Dragovic demanded it.
Collison hesitated but eventually passed to Dragovic.
Dragovic, looking to school Gibson, who could pass for a 40-year-old college student, backed him down.
He dribbled with his back to Gibson but found Gibson not yielding an inch, prompting Dragovic to spin around and accelerate for a dunk.
Dragovic was quick, but Gibson was no slouch, keeping up with Dragovic.
At this juncture, Lian Dao decisively opted to double-team Dragovic.
Double trouble!
Caught in the double-team, Dragovic struggled to find a passing lane.
Lian Dao and Gibson formed an imposing defensive wall, denying Dragovic any room to maneuver.
Dragovic grew increasingly flustered, shifting and pivoting in hopes of creating a passing opportunity.
In his movements, Dragovic inadvertently let the ball slip from his grip
Lian Dao seized the opportunity, snatching the ball from Dragovic and securing possession.
"Defense, get back! Quick, get back!" Howland shouted urgently.
Lian Dao saw the rapid defensive transition. Though Daniel Hackett sprinted, Collison matched his pace, preventing USC from executing long passes or fast breaks.
So, Lian Dao took it upon himself to dribble across half-court.
He signaled to Vucevic, indicating for a pick-and-roll.
The pick-and-roll was a prime solution to Lian Dao's limited driving ability.
With Vucevic well-positioned beyond the arc, Lian Dao dribbled through his legs and shifted laterally, feigning a move and evading Josh Shipp's defense.
Josh Shipp attempted to adjust but collided with the towering Vucevic.
Lian Dao had already set up for a three-pointer, releasing a quick shot from outside with just one step.
"Swish!"
Three points scored!
Off the court, Kobe's eyes lit up as he watched Lian Dao's shot.
5:12
Currently, what the team needs most is a third-position player who can draw defensive attention with consistent three-point shooting and make critical passes.
In the past, Vladimir Radmanovic was known for his precise three-point shooting.
Back on July 1, 2006, Radmanovic signed a mid-level contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth approximately $31 million over five years. Initially, he had agreed to a similar offer from the Clippers but chose the Lakers for a starting position and the opportunity to play in their triangle offensive system alongside his friend Vlade Divac.
Coach Jackson highly valued Radmanovic's ability to shoot threes and played a key role in convincing the Lakers to sign him.
However, Radmanovic's impact fell short of expectations. He has averaged only 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Lakers, and his three-point shooting percentage, once a source of pride, dropped to 33.9%.
Radmanovic was brought in to alleviate outside pressure alongside Kobe Bryant, but he struggled to fulfill that role, especially in recent seasons.
This season, strengthening the third position is crucial for the Lakers. With Kobe now teamed up with Gasol and aiming for another championship, he has made it clear to team management that bolstering the team at this position is essential.