Just before Wade could touch the basketball, Wang Chong performed a quick behind-the-back dribble, skillfully evading Wade's attempt to steal. Wade's forward dive left him momentarily out of position, allowing Wang Chong to shift the ball from his right hand to his left with a smooth motion. Seizing the opportunity, Wang Chong accelerated toward the basket and, with a fluid left-handed shot, sent the ball soaring through the hoop.
The sideline erupted with murmurs of astonishment.
Despite Wang Chong's behind-the-back dribble lacking elegance and smoothness, the fact that he successfully executed it against Wade was impressive. The crowd of teammates and spectators was taken aback. They couldn't help but wonder when Wang Chong had developed such dribbling prowess.
The answer lay in Wang Chong's recent integration with the Durant template.
Kevin Durant's dribbling skills aren't particularly outstanding compared to other elite players. His height makes it easier for defenders to steal the ball. Nevertheless, Durant's peak ball-handling ability of 92 had significantly boosted Wang Chong's dribbling skills, raising his ball-handling ability to 72. This level of dribbling is adequate for crossing half-court but falls short for navigating past seasoned defenders. A player like Wade, with advanced defensive skills, would typically exploit this weakness.
Wade had underestimated Wang Chong's dribbling skills, which led to his overly aggressive steal attempt. This miscalculation gave Wang Chong the opportunity to showcase his newfound ability.
"Not bad…" Wade observed, his surprise evident but quickly masked by a determined smile. "Let's see what you've got next!"
The game continued with a continuous serve format, meaning Wang Chong would retain possession until he failed to score.
As Wang Chong repositioned himself at the top of the arc, he noticed Wade's defensive posture had become markedly serious. Wade's previously relaxed demeanor had shifted to one of intense focus and readiness. His gaze, once sleepy, now burned with determination, creating a palpable sense of pressure for Wang Chong.
Wade's defensive skills were formidable. By his sophomore year, he had earned a spot on the league's best defensive second team, a testament to his elite defensive abilities. His current defense was a result of years of systematic and rigorous training.
Wang Chong sensed that his previous offensive strategy might not be effective against Wade's heightened defensive intensity. With his ball-handling rating of 72, Wang Chong understood that relying solely on dribbling might not be sufficient to overcome Wade's defense.
After a brief contemplation, Wang Chong decided to adopt a different approach.
Turning sideways, Wang Chong pressed his back against Wade and began backing his way toward the basket. This unconventional maneuver was a calculated move to leverage his physical advantages.
Wade: "..."
Teammates and spectators: "..."
The move was unexpected. Wang Chong's decision to back into the paint from the perimeter was unconventional and surprising. Even though the coach had not imposed the three-dribble limit of American-style one-on-one duels, Wang Chong's method was unorthodox.
In terms of strength alone, Wade was undoubtedly stronger. However, basketball confrontation isn't solely about brawn. Overall weight and lower limb strength play crucial roles as well. Wang Chong, weighing 105 kilograms, had an advantage over Durant, who was lighter at the time of his draft. Durant's weight increased to 110 kilograms later in his career, but he still had a lean appearance. Wang Chong, due to his unique circumstances, maintained his weight, which provided him with a distinct advantage in physical confrontations.
Wade's weight, around 95 kilograms, was considerably less than Wang Chong's. As a guard, Wade's weight was kept in check to maintain agility. When Wang Chong pressed his back against Wade and backed him up, the difference in weight and physicality became apparent. Although Wade tried to resist, the additional mass of Wang Chong forced him to give ground.
However, Wang Chong wasn't shameless enough to push all the way to the basket before making a move. Once he was about one step inside the free-throw line, Wang Chong used his shoulder to bump Wade. The impact created space, allowing Wang Chong to turn around and execute a fadeaway jump shot.
Durant's post-up fadeaway jump shots were typically effective due to his height and wingspan, which Wang Chong hoped to replicate. Though Durant had a natural advantage due to his height, Wang Chong's fadeaway was meant to showcase his skills. Despite Wang Chong's height advantage, the fadeaway shot didn't land as smoothly as he anticipated.
"Box--!"
The basketball hit the back of the rim, bouncing twice before failing to fall into the basket. Wang Chong was momentarily stunned.
"I missed? I should have just taken a standard mid-range shot," Wang Chong thought ruefully. Despite his mid-range shooting skill rating of 85, his fadeaway jump shot, rated at 46, didn't measure up.
Wade exhaled in relief. Wang Chong's mid-range proficiency was well-known, and a consistent scoring streak could undermine Wade's leadership. Wade needed to ensure that he could defend effectively and keep the scoring in check.
With the possession changing, Wade took charge of the offense. Wang Chong now experienced firsthand just how powerful Wade's skills were. Standing at the top of the arc, Wade began dribbling and accelerating with impressive speed.
The acceleration was astonishing.
Wang Chong struggled to keep pace as Wade sped past him effortlessly. By the time Wang Chong managed to turn and chase, Wade had already reached the basket. With an explosive leap, Wade performed a powerful one-handed slam dunk, forcefully driving the basketball through the hoop.
"Boom--!"
The sound of the dunk reverberated through the gym. Wang Chong could only watch in stunned silence.
"Is this the speed a player should have after having his meniscus removed?" Wang Chong wondered, utterly astonished by Wade's extraordinary performance.
Wade's meniscus surgery had seemingly not diminished his speed or agility. In fact, his performance was remarkable, displaying an impressive level of explosiveness and precision. Wang Chong could only admire Wade's athleticism and felt a renewed sense of respect for his opponent's abilities.
As the game continued, the disparity between Wang Chong and Wade became increasingly apparent. Wang Chong knew that if he wanted to compete on Wade's level, he needed to continue improving and refining his skills. The challenge presented by Wade was a significant opportunity for Wang Chong to gauge his own progress and push himself further.
The duel served as a stark reminder of the immense skill and physical prowess required to excel in the game of basketball. Wang Chong's experience against Wade was both a test and a learning opportunity. It underscored the importance of adapting and evolving in response to formidable opponents and highlighted the dedication required to reach the highest levels of the sport.
As the chapter closed, Wang Chong remained determined to enhance his game. The encounter with Wade had illuminated areas for growth and sparked a renewed commitment to achieving excellence on the court. With the knowledge gained from this intense one-on-one battle, Wang Chong prepared himself for the challenges ahead, eager to continue his journey towards becoming a top basketball player.
End of this chapter