###
### The Jump Ball
Wang Song stepped onto the court for the jump ball, facing Marcus Camby.
Due to an injury-prone career, Camby had spent much of his NBA tenure as a role-playing big man rather than the dominant force expected from the second pick of the 1996 Draft. Yet his potential was undeniable: 211 cm tall, with a 218 cm wingspan, impressive agility, and defensive prowess that once earned him the block champion title in his second season.
Now recovered and ready to compete, Camby had set his sights on leading the Nuggets to the playoffs, aided by Denver's revamped roster.
"I know you, Asian kid!" Camby initiated, breaking the silence.
"I've heard you're the best rookie center of your class. That reminds me of myself back in the day."
Wang Song raised an eyebrow, studying Camby closely. His gaze fell on the tattoos etched on Camby's arm—two distinctly visible Chinese characters: **"勉族"**.
A puzzling choice, yet common among NBA players who sought "exotic" flair for their ink.
"Marcus Camby," Wang Song finally responded, his tone laced with mockery, "I've heard of you too. But I didn't think you were still playing!"
Camby's face twitched. His inconsistent attendance over the years made the remark hit harder than intended. But rather than get angry, he smirked.
"Asian rookie, soon you'll see why I'm still here."
The referee blew the whistle, and the ball soared skyward.
Camby crouched slightly, coiling his legs like compressed springs, ready to explode upward. But just as he prepared to jump, Wang Song effortlessly leaped with minimal preparation, his sheer athleticism leaving Camby rooted.
"Wang Song wins the tip-off with ease!" shouted Kenny Smith, the commentator, in disbelief.
Charles Barkley remained silent, his eyes fixed on Wang Song. A former undersized power forward himself, Barkley recognized the rare combination of traits Wang Song displayed: elite vertical leap, impeccable timing, and instinctive positioning—attributes typically absent in taller centers reliant on size alone.
For Barkley, it was clear: Wang Song wasn't just a big man; he was an anomaly.
---
### The Knicks' Opening Play
With the ball in their possession, Steve Nash orchestrated the Knicks' first offensive set, directing traffic with precision.
Head coach Don Chaney watched from the sidelines, nodding in satisfaction. Over time, he had honed a simple yet highly effective strategy: build the Knicks' offense around Wang Song.
Whether as a high-post facilitator or a low-post scoring threat, Wang Song consistently drew attention and created opportunities.
---
### Nuggets' Defensive Focus
On the other sideline, Nuggets head coach Jeff Bzdelik stood confidently. His team had dissected countless hours of Knicks game footage and prepared extensively for Wang Song.
"Our priority is to contain their big man," Bzdelik had emphasized. "The Knicks' offense lives and dies through him. Neutralize him, and we win."
He glanced at Camby, trusting his veteran center to anchor Denver's defense. Camby's agility, shot-blocking, and mobility would prove crucial.
---
### The First Battle
Back on the court, Wang Song received the ball at the free-throw line. Camby stood before him, tense and alert.
Suddenly, Wang Song exploded into a drive, dribbling straight toward the paint. Camby reacted quickly, moving his feet to stay in front, maintaining defensive position.
But as Wang Song powered into the lane, his strength became evident. The collision between the two players sent Camby stumbling half a step backward. The crowd erupted into boos, hoping to rattle Wang Song.
Unfazed, Wang Song spun, creating space before leaping into the air with the ball in one hand.
**SLAM!**
The rim shook violently as Wang Song delivered a thunderous dunk, posterizing Camby in the process.
For a moment, silence enveloped the arena. Then, the commentators broke through with explosive reactions:
"OH MY GOD! WHAT A DUNK!" Kenny Smith roared.
"An absolute statement play from Wang Song! He just baptized Camby in front of the Denver crowd!"
---
### Denver Stunned
Fans sat in stunned silence, processing what they had just witnessed. Even Camby looked dazed, unable to hide his frustration.
From the sidelines, Coach Bzdelik clenched his jaw. Wang Song's sheer force and athleticism had just shattered their carefully crafted defensive game plan.
As the Knicks jogged back on defense, Wang Song glanced briefly at Camby, smirking as if to say: **"Welcome to my world."**
(End of Chapter)