When pride still matters

Chapter 516: One Person's Hell

The focus of the Sonics' defense is on James.

This was the result of the deformed yet unified consensus at the beginning of the formation of the Kochan Alliance.

In the triangle offense system, Kobe and James are undoubtedly a perfect match. Peak James is a fully enhanced version of Pippen, and Kobe is only slightly inferior to Jordan in his heyday. Using the 2K value, this is like the difference between a super giant with an ability value of 97 and a super giant with an ability value of 99.

Once such a combination works together, they will surely be as powerful as Kudu during 2017-2018.

But the deformity of the Kobe-James alliance is that James never promised that he would actively integrate into the triangle offense.

He never had the awareness to play Pippen.

This was also the hidden danger that Kobe left when he recruited him. Kobe believed that he was good at offense, and James was an all-around player second only to Yu Fei. Therefore, as long as they joined forces and performed their respective duties, they would surely be invincible.

This idea is probably not wrong. When facing most teams, even if they have ulterior motives, they can still crush them with their talent.

But even the Warriors, who are as strong as the Universe, were almost defeated by the Rockets when both Durant and Kuznetsova were healthy in 2019. Instead, after Durant was injured, the Warriors, who had a clear backbone, overturned the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers have not yet reached the same situation as the 19 Warriors, but the lack of priority in ball possession and the passive choice of letting James lead the offense are being exploited by the Supersonics.

The Supersonics have the home-court advantage, and the referee team led by Scott Foster encourages confrontation. Under the seemingly consistent standards, star players like Yu Fei and Durant are more likely to be called for fouls. On the other hand, as guests, the power of the whistle on them is no different from that of role players.

This potential double standard is the norm on the road, but the Lakers' star players don't usually experience it.

Therefore, Yu Fei's tough defense and rough physical contact made James uncomfortable and brought back the nightmare deep in his mind.

Wasn’t that what happened at the US team training camp in Las Vegas three years ago?
James' confidence comes from the fact that he is stronger than he was three years ago.

This is true.

Yu Fei also admitted this.

Therefore, Yu Fei did not think about making a fool of himself in front of the elites of the American basketball world as he did three years ago.

The main trouble that Yu Fei brought to James, who had the home-court advantage, was that every breakthrough he made was very difficult and he completely lost the belief that shooting could solve the problem.

Even if James has achieved a similar outside shooting percentage to Yu Fei with a relatively low output this year, it is impossible for him to really use shooting as a regular main weapon like Yu Fei.

Because while James improved his shooting skills, he also improved his "shot selection."

When he was on the Cavaliers, he had no choice, but in the Lakers, he can share those bad shooting choices with others, and try to take those open shots and open shots one or two steps away from the defender. If the touch is good, shoot more, and when the touch is not good, try to attack the basket and run fast breaks.

Whether it is planning his career or making choices on the court, his basketball IQ is integrated with his tendencies, giving people a sense of being overly shrewd.

Just like those who taste the fish belly first when eating fish, there is nothing wrong with that. It's just that in the game, shrewdness is different from cleverness. The former is often utilitarian.

As long as you have a utilitarian mentality, you will be exploited.

James' shooting percentage is not maintained by constantly challenging the defense and maintaining high output with his solid skills like Yu Fei.

So there was no way he could try to solve the problem by shooting under the "kill, kill" defense of the Supersonics.

He will focus on finding opportunities to break through.

Yu Fei will apply pressure, and then the supersonic spiders will look for opportunities to block his breakthrough path one by one.

James was forced to pass the ball.

But facing the Sonics' lineup where each player has long arms and legs, his teammates could only get half-open positions at best.

The person who caught the ball this round was Richard Hamilton.

The masked man took a three-pointer and barely made it despite the interference of Hughes' long arms.

"Larry, stick to him."

The Sonics' policy is not to give any chance to a high-quality shooter like Hamilton who can hit a three-pointer in half-open space.

The masked man's thrilling shot gave James a sigh of relief.

The game didn't seem as difficult as he had imagined, but in the next round, Yu Fei asked for the ball in the low post.

Before James could react, Hughes had already passed the ball to him.

James' teammates chose to trust his low-post defense, and then Yu Fei rushed in aggressively, suddenly knocking the emperor back half a step.

In just a moment, Yu Fei turned around, caught the ball and raised it above his head.

James's forward jump to block the shot seemed like an instinct written into his genes, but it was just a fake move by Yu Fei.

When James jumped, Yu Feiren was still on the ground and he knew it was over.

Yu Fei calculated the timing precisely, and when James landed, he jumped up, rubbed his shooting hand against the opponent, causing a foul naturally, and then gently flicked the ball out of his hand.

In an instant, time seemed to stop.

The boneless shot felt so smooth that it made people's scalps tingle. Even a training fanatic like Kobe believed that this was the muscle memory that Yu Fei acquired after millions of training sessions.

It’s impossible not to get in.

The basketball fell from the center of the basket and didn't even hit the net.

The ball bounced on the ground and Yu Fei scored 2+1.

"And One!!!" ESPN's Mike Breen screamed in surprise, "Frye's shot can be put into a shampoo commercial. This shot just explained all the meanings of 'silky'!"

Yu Fei looked at James with contempt: "You can't even defend in the low post. How on earth did you get selected into the All-Defensive Team?"

"I'll let you know!"

Yu Fei made the free throw.

In the next round, James was like a beast that had lost its mind.

However, Yu Fei hinted to Durant in advance to be prepared.

Just when James decided to break through at full speed and fly to the basket for a powerful dunk, Durant left Kobe open and came over to double-team him.

The beast became a trapped beast, as two players whose height and wingspan were taller than James blocked his passing route.

Just when he was trying his best to protect the ball, DeAndre Jordan, whether intentionally or unintentionally, blocked the referee's vision. Yu Fei took action, first hitting his hand and then slamming the ball.

Durant got the ball and then passed it to Yu Fei who was rushing forward at full speed.

James yelled at the referee, and while retreating he gestured how unreasonable Yu Fei's actions were.

But Foster acted as if he recognized Yu Fei as his godfather and refused to brag.

James didn't know that Foster didn't see what happened just now, and just thought that the other party was biased towards Fei.

But he complained at the wrong time.

Just as he was making a few gestures to Foster, Yu Fei had already left him far behind, rushed to the frontcourt and completed a gliding tomahawk slam dunk that made the KeyArena boil with excitement.

"Man!!!" Will Smith, a Lakers fan, couldn't help but jump up and yell at Fei, "I won't watch the dunk contest next year without you!"

Before the first quarter was halfway through, Yu Fei had already scored 10 points.

The prediction of 50 points in a single game does not seem to be just a simple pre-game talk.

He has the ability to do it and is doing his best to achieve it.

Phil Jackson stood up unconsciously.

He wanted to call a timeout, but the Lakers' current problem was James.

What to do after the timeout? Take away James' ball possession and make this person who has already experienced a major mental ups and downs feel that the world has abandoned him?
This impact will not only last throughout the game, but will also affect subsequent games.

As a coach certified by many superstars, Jackson's excellence lies in his mentality.

This gives him a skill that ordinary coaches do not have: palace fighting.

But his mind game doesn't just work for him in palace fights. He also puts the mental state first when observing the players' on-the-spot performance.

James' current condition is very delicate.

Jackson temporarily put aside the ideological dispute, he wanted to stabilize James' mentality.

So even if you don't do anything, call this pause.

Unexpectedly, before the timeout was called, James had already broken through Yu Fei.

After all, he is a talented monster that appears once every ten years, and no one can control him on the periphery.

But Yu Fei on the defensive end was just one problem, and the Supersonics set him many problems.

If he can solve all of them, then Supersonic still has one trick up his sleeve.

Jordan Jr. suddenly appeared when James was accumulating strength, and the two collided violently in the air.

This caused James to lose his balance and it was difficult for him to complete the shot.

The referee's whistle finally sounded and Jordan was called for a foul, but this foul would not make James change his mind because it was a foul that could not be avoided.

Can this foul help James catch his breath?

Jackson hasn't called a timeout yet, he thinks he can watch a few more rounds.

But this was only the precursor to a major blow.

James made one of two free throws, and the missed second free throw hinted at the misfortune that was to come.

"Basketball doesn't lie!" Jordan yelled after grabbing the rebound, "Those who betray their hometown will never have a good ending!"

James glared and wanted to say something, but was it necessary to waste words on the dog flying next to him?
"DJ, you did a great job." Yu Fei took the ball from Jordan, "Get ready to pull away."

Jordan said awkwardly: "I am not good at shooting just like Kwame."

It's hard for Yu Fei not to admire Jordan.

Looking at his stupid, dark and rough appearance, you would think that he is a person who only has athletic instincts and does not know how to use his brain. Most of the time, he is indeed like this, relying only on talent and instinct to play. But when it comes to his inability to shoot, he also has to bring Kwame Brown.

He really sees starting in the Western Conference Finals as a chance to make a push for starting status.

Yu Fei smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, just pull it apart like Kwame did."

Before Yu Fei crossed half court, the order to play one-on-one had been conveyed to the entire team. Even the Lakers could see that he wanted a one-on-one.

Kobe said to Gasol: "Mark, prepare to double-team, don't let LeBron deal with him alone."

Xiao Jia nodded.

But are two people enough?
It's not like Kobe hasn't thought about this problem, but Yu Fei plans to start a one-on-one game from the outside in this round, which will avoid James' weakness of not being good at low-post defense.

In terms of perimeter defense, James is among the top three in the league.

The Lakers believe in James' defense.

Plus, with McGee ready to double-team at any time, isn't this foolproof?

Results will be revealed soon.

"Frye wants to return the favor!"

"Look at the positions of the other Sonics players. They are all spread out!"

"Can you do that, Fry?"

The commentators from major cable TV stations spoke excitedly.

James seemed to be deaf and could not hear any external sounds. Yu Fei dribbled the ball towards him and with just a gesture, the whole team dared not disobey. This was the position he had always dreamed of in Los Angeles.

Whenever he showed his ambition to achieve a higher position, someone would ask him why he left Cleveland if he liked to be above everyone else.
Why couldn't he be like Fry?
This question was quickly burned to ashes in the emperor's heart by jealousy, and the man who was living the life of his dreams started from his left hand without reservation.

Very fast, but not so fast that one cannot react in time.

James used his terrifying motor nerves to catch up, but was almost shaken by a move two steps inside the three-point line.

Yu Fei's right hand while dribbling the ball suddenly paused, which seemed to be a precursor to a jump shot, but it was actually the start of a change of direction by pulling the ball from behind.

James was not fooled, he just couldn't give a correct response. The moment Yu Fei pulled the ball, Gasol Jr. entered the battlefield. It was a perfect time.

No one could point out any mistakes in Gasol's timing.

James reacted and was about to double-team him sideways, but in a flash, Yu Fei used his left hand to easily slap the ball from behind to between his crotch. His body rushed forward like an arrow and suddenly fought his way out of the vulnerable center area before the double-team was formed.

"OMG!!!"

The commentators couldn't find the words to describe how wonderful this scene was.

Yu Fei quickly got rid of Xiaojia, but James was still behind him. The two entered the penalty area at the same time and jumped together.

However, Yu Fei had his back to James when he jumped. He used his back to hit the opponent hard, making James lose the strength to block him from behind in the air. He then took advantage of the opponent's tank and jumped to the highest point.

He couldn't see the basket and had lost all sense of distance. He just threw the ball into the air based on his memory.

“Beep~~~~!!!”

The referee penalized James for a defensive foul, and that ball
It flew to a height above the basket, then formed a beautiful arc and hit the backboard, then fell into the basket.

"What a wonderful move!!!" Mike Breen roared, "Made by Fry Yu!"

Also, there are free throws.

This was James' second foul.

However, the most exciting thing happened after the goal.

Yu Fei ignored James, turned around and shouted to the Lakers: "This wimp can't defend me at all, let Kobe come over!"

When dignity, pride, and beliefs are all trampled upon, the only thing left for human beings is the bestiality of resorting to violence.

James, who had lost his mind, walked towards Yu Fei, but was pushed away by Jordan Jr.

The two sides quarreled and the referee took control of the situation in time.

But the damage has been done.

Yu Fei's insult to James elicited a response from the entire audience.

They began to insult James with all kinds of obscenities.

This is hell for one person.

Regardless of whether James is the leader of the Lakers or not, his position as the core is clear.

Seeing him being insulted like this but unable to do anything about it, the Lakers' morale suffered a severe blow.

Phil Jackson called a timeout with regret.

The score difference has reached double digits, and Jackson must make a decision.

He replaced James.

Although it was not a good time, the two fouls gave him a reason.

"LeBron, I can't let you play at the risk of further fouls." The Zen Master said, and asked Artest to replace James.

James sat down in silence.

Kobe said, "Don't take it personally, LeBron."

Only Kobe can comfort James, only he is qualified.

Because he is the number one player on the team.

Whether James accepts it or not, this is the fact.

James didn't want to see others pity him, so he responded coldly: "I'll be back soon."

"I know," Kobe said. "We need you back."

Is this Kobe's most emotionally intelligent moment since recruiting James? The Zen Master doesn't know.

But this aloof, self-centered, often overly arrogant man did the right thing when James was at his most vulnerable.

The Lakers won't be finished.

Even tonight, their hope was not dead.

The timeout ends and both sides return to the court.

Yu Fei prepared to impose additional penalties.

"Is that wimp who abandoned his hometown crying on the sidelines?" Yu Fei asked Kobe sarcastically.

"LeBron didn't turn his back on anybody," Kobe said.

"Go ask the people of Cleveland if they agree."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Fei made the free throw.

With seven minutes into the game, James' substitution was an opportunity for the Supersonics.

Tyronn Lue was thinking about extending the lead, while assistant coach Adrian Dantley suggested, "In two more minutes, we can take Frye off the court to rest."

Dantley's suggestion was simple: to do this was to allow Yu Fei to rest.

This is rare in this series.

Coach Lu calmed down immediately: "Yes, Frye is in good shape tonight. We can win as long as we play steadily."

Eight minutes into the game, Yu Fei made a buzzer-beating three-pointer to increase his score in the quarter to 16 points, and the Supersonics' lead reached 15 points.

A dozen seconds later, Durant fouled Kobe.

Coach Lu replaced Yu Fei and Bosh with Alonzo Gee and Jermaine O'Neal.

"Frye, take a good rest," Coach Lu said cheerfully, "You need to get enough rest to score 50 points."

If Lu didn't replace himself, Yu Fei wouldn't say anything.

But choosing to replace him at this time is what Karl would do.

Because he consumed a lot of energy in the first quarter, not only did he go all out on offense, he also spared no effort on defense.

So it was the right decision to let him come down and rest while we were leading by a large margin.

Yu Fei came to the sidelines and sat down, glancing at the Lakers' bench from a distance.

James had already put on his playing uniform and sat quietly like a substitute player, biting his fingernails from time to time.

You can see that he has recovered.

Who gave me this chicken soup that works so quickly?
Yu Fei was thinking that the Lakers' attack had already reached the frontcourt.

Kobe rushed into the basket unreasonably, challenged O'Neal and Jordan in the no-fly zone, and forced the ball into the basket by pulling the lever.

He turned and bared his teeth at Yu Fei, "Don't think you are safe!"

The one who gave James chicken soup was definitely not this guy who was so lucky as to make a difficult pull-up shot and was eager to provoke him.

Yu Fei thought to himself.

The Lakers' momentum was not boosted by Kobe's brilliant attack.

Because the Supersonics adopted a stable style of play.

Durant attracted the defense in the high post and passed the ball to O'Neal.

O'Neal worked in the low post and suddenly threw the ball into the air, which Jordan happily grabbed.

Such cooperation was common in the final stage of the first quarter. Due to their considerable lead, the Supersonics played very steadily. Even without Yu Fei, their offensive momentum remained unabated.

Kobe played the entire first quarter, and the Lakers' offense improved after James left the court, but they still failed to narrow the gap much.

At the end of the first quarter, the score remained at 36 to 23.

The Supersonics lead their opponents by 13 points.

(End of this chapter)