The Road to Stardom: Start as a Slam Dunk Master.

Chapter 327 LeBron’s Counterattack
The sudden surprise disrupted the Cavaliers' rhythm. When the Sonics' deficiencies on the defensive end were filled, the Cavaliers felt as if they were back to when they first saw the Sonics' rotation of defense, leaving them at a loss as to what to do.

The high-intensity pressure came back, causing the Cavaliers, who were eager to chase points at the last moment of the first quarter, to make consecutive mistakes.

Wade passed a pass to Davis but Lin Dong intercepted the ball. Zaxunas picked up the rebound inside but was intercepted by Sakuragi Hanamichi.

Watson made a mid-range shot and Galindong made an outside 3-pointer.

At 45:26, when the first quarter ended, the score difference between the two sides had reached an unacceptable 19 points for the Cavaliers, and the SuperSonics still had the ball. The SuperSonics' 45 points in the first quarter were already close to being touched. It has reached the ceiling of first-quarter scoring in NBA team history.

After all, this is not an era when small ball is prevalent in later generations and the league strongly encourages offense. Before this, there were only a handful of games in NBA history that broke 45 points in a single quarter.

Although compared to the current NBA historical record, the Buffalo Braves, the predecessor of the Los Angeles Clippers, once scored 72 points in a single quarter when facing the Celtics in 58, but in terms of scoring in the first quarter, they only scored 90 points in a single quarter. The Suns scored 51 points against the Nuggets in .

The terrifying scoring ability plunged the Key Arena into a carnival.

Sakuragi Hanamichi, who returned to the bench, was also a little excited. He had not found such excitement on the court in at least the last ten games.

And now, McMillan has to admit that this kid's several consecutive choices have been just right, and it is definitely not pure luck.

——The real test?

"Congratulations on getting back into shape, but...this section will be your real test. Remember your status and feelings, don't be affected by anything, be careful!"

47:26, SuperSonics continued to expand the score.

beep!
The second quarter begins for both sides.

Payton, who was full of energy after the break, just came up and beat Wade, attracting a double-team from Eric, and missed Sakuragi Hanamichi under the basket.

The rare praise from McMillan also doubled Hanamichi Sakuragi's confidence. But when the break was over and the second quarter started...

All of this made the home fans secretly sweat. In fact, not only them, but also Cavaliers coach Lucas, and even other Cavaliers players, actually thought this way.

After all, Payton is getting older and is no longer at the most glorious peak of a player. Moreover, the Cavaliers have just changed their formation. Zashunas, who was originally guarding the basket, was replaced by a 203-centimeter forward. This will definitely not guard the basket. Down, which means that the SuperSonics' five-on-four advantage on the outside and mid-range just now will no longer exist.

Frankly speaking, based on Lin Dong's terrifying performance in the Sonics, which averaged 40+ per game, whether it is the fans in the main stadium or fans in other states across the United States, they have now drawn an echelon between the SuperSonics and Lin Dong deep in their hearts. No, although Payton is still recognized as the team leader, in the eyes of new and old fans, Payton's ability is not as good as Lin Dong.

The absence of Lin Dong on the court at this time always gives people the feeling that "the main force is not here".

Cavaliers lineup: Power forward No. 1 Carlos Boozer, power forward No. 55 Eric Williams, small forward No. 0 LeBron James, shooting guard No. 31 Ricky Davis, point guard No. 23 Dwyane Wade.

The SuperSonics lineup has also changed. Power forward No. 24 Desmond Mason, power forward No. 10 Sakuragi Hanamichi, small forward No. 9 Andre Iguodala, guard No. 31 Watson, point guard No. 20 Gary Payton.

"Sakuragi." Lin Dong called him. With the SuperSonics' current tactical arrangement, the first half of the second quarter was Lin Dong's rest time.

Lin Dong took a rest, and the team was led by Payton and original backup point guard Watson.

Payton passed the ball to Sakuragi, and Sakuragi jumped up without hesitation and dunked, scoring his first 2 points since coming on the court today.

Although it seemed like everything was going smoothly at the moment, after all, it was Brother Takato who said it carefully. Sakuragi Hanamichi was secretly wary and nodded.

SuperSonics possession.

"Ok?"

"A knight will not sit still and wait for death." Lin Dong said with a smile: "When you encounter trouble, think more about how to solve it, and trust your own judgment and ability."

Without Lin Dong, it's time for the Cavaliers to chase points!
Unexpectedly, after the opening, Payton led the team to a very good effect.

"Well done, this should have been done a long time ago!"

Immediately after turning around on the defensive end, Eric, who had just come on the field, was obviously not used to the SuperSonics' forced defense. He was obviously not vigilant when receiving Wade's pass in the mid-range. Take the steal.

Sakuragi passed the ball to Payton, and Payton quickly came down with the ball, attracting Wade and LeBron to pursue him. At the same time, he looked back and passed to Iguodala, who was catching up to catch up. The latter hit a 3-pointer from the outside. 50:26!

Different from Lin Dong's extremely fast counter-attack fast attack, the entire counter-attack rhythm is as smooth as water under Payton's control. It feels like there is no fireworks. It may not be as exciting as Lin Dong's speed, but it is It feels like hearing thunder in silence.

This made the home arena, which had been a little worried about Payton's condition, suddenly feel relieved, and the scene once again entered into jubilation.

Lucas on the sidelines was so angry that he almost jumped up. He realized that he had entered a misunderstanding.

In terms of ability, Lin Dong may really be above Payton, especially in terms of scoring ability. He averaged 40+ per game in games. Even if you look at the entire NBA history, he can rank in the top three. , and the two in front of him were feats that the ancient behemoth Chamberlain could only accomplish in a specific era and under a specific environment.

You know, even Jordan at his peak only averaged 37.1 points per game.

But that's just scoring ability.

In the SuperSonics' rotational run-and-gun system, if only in terms of leadership effect, organizational ability, and passing ability, Payton is actually better than Lin Dong.

In the two offensive and defensive rounds just now, the SuperSonics' rotation was obviously smoother than when Lin Dong led the team. It has to be said that Jiang is very good at switching between fast and slow rhythms. Lead by 24 points!
Knight's ball.

Having learned the lesson just now, Eric, who just came on the field, gradually entered the state, became more vigilant, and did not make any more mistakes to give the Sonics a chance.

But as the only point guard in history to win DPOY, the SuperSonics' rotation defense under Payton's leadership is also watertight, even more rigorous than when Lin Dong led the team. In addition, Sakuragi Hanamichi's investigation The missed opportunities made the SuperSonics' defense at this time simply impregnable!
McMillan on the sidelines clenched his fists fiercely.

This is the true power of second gear run and gun!

When Lin Dong led the team, he was an offensive second-tier run-and-gun. His speed and scoring ability allowed this run-and-gun lineup to pierce any opponent when defending against counterattacks.

When Payton leads the team, it is a defensive second-level run and gun. This rotation defense is largely based on Lin Dong's concept, with Payton supplementing and improving the theoretical process. In terms of defense, There may be no one in the entire NBA who understands this more deeply than Payton!

And when the two of them are on the court at the same time, coupled with Sakuragi Hanamichi who has suddenly become enlightened and can fill in the gaps for the team, it will be a run and gun that is enough to create a dynasty!

To be honest, when he thinks about running and gunning, thinking about the SuperSonics, thinking about winning championships and even creating a dynasty, McMillan can't help but glow with excitement.

If the combination of new players and new coaches can win the championship and create a dynasty in the first season, it will definitely be recorded in history...

24 points, a definite win!
…………

The Cavaliers' careful defense failed to find a chance to move the ball in a wide range. They were almost blocked for 24 seconds. At the last moment, Davis reluctantly pulled out at the 3-point baseline on the right, facing Hanamichi Sakuragi's shot. The defense forced a 3-point shot.

Bang!
The basketball bounced off the hoop.

The home fans suddenly cheered, but the next second...

A figure flew into the sky, like a cloud blocking the sun, past Desmond who was about to rush to grab the rebound, caught the rebound in the air, and then slammed it into the basket.

boom!
A wonderful catch-up dunk made the home crowd's cheers seem a bit embarrassing.

No. 0, LeBron James!

LeBron didn't do anything to celebrate when he fell from the basket, just a flash of indifference and ambition in his eyes.

There is an advantage to not being as dazzling as before, that is, even if he becomes invisible in the first quarter, he will not look dazzling, let alone disturb his state of mind.

A truly excellent hunter must know how to hibernate and have a clear goal.

Win?

No.

For a role player who may soon be laid off by the Cavaliers, you must first stabilize your position on the team before you can talk about other ideals.

But now, the person he fears most is no longer on the court, and it's time for him to perform!

SuperSonics possession.

Payton's organization and control of the rhythm of the team and the game are still extremely smooth.

Frankly speaking, the 34-year-old Payton's physical fitness is indeed in a period of decline. More often on the court, he shows experience and sophistication, revealing a kind of cunning, instead of being young and mature. Jordan's passion for flying into the sky and escaping from the ground also made the SuperSonics led by him not as sharp on the offensive end as when Lin Dong led the team.

However, this did not prevent him from creating a perfect offensive space and sending a wonderful pass to Sakuragi who had just moved and cut into the basket.

Sakuragi Hanamichi just got rid of Eric.

This 30-year-old veteran has been playing in the NBA for 7 years. He has rich experience and balanced strength. He can be regarded as a blue-collar player with a good value for money.

He and Sakuragi faced off. If Sakuragi Hanamichi had the ball in his hands, Eric estimated that there would be a hundred ways to stop him based on Sakuragi's ball control level.

But playing without the ball? When Sakuragi Hanamichi showed off his physical talent and athletic ability in various ways, it was really difficult for a 30-year-old man to want Eric to follow him closely.

At this time, Sakuragi cut through the basket and saw that Payton's pass had reached his head.

Sakuragi Hanamichi suddenly rose from the sky!

From the time when McMillan praised him and even Bob encouraged him, Sakuragi knew that his place in the Sonics was reserved.

At this time, the mentality is extremely relaxed and the confidence is at its peak.

He stared at the basket in front of him with his eyes like torches. He had already caught the basketball in his right hand, and he shouted excitedly: "Genius Sakuragi..."

But before he finished speaking, there was a sound of wind blowing behind him, and a big hand suddenly came from behind.

Snapped!
He actually intercepted the basketball that had been caught by Sakuragi in mid-air!

(End of this chapter)