Chapter 110: Lian Dao VS Haddadi
The Iranian team, often hailed as the golden generation, proved their worth with their impressive lineup and tactical prowess. The game continued to be highly competitive as both teams battled intensely on the court.
After halftime, the Iranian team doubled Lian Dao with Sahakian and Bahrami, making it difficult for him to get open looks. As a result, Hu Xuefeng passed the ball to Yi Jianlian. Unfortunately, Yi Jianlian's mid-range shot was blocked by Haddadi, and the rebound was secured by the Iranian center.
On the counterattack, Kamrani used a pick-and-roll with Haddadi and Sahakian to shake off Hu Xuefeng and scored a long two-pointer.
Score: 7:9
The Iranian team's ability to create opportunities and their smart play were evident. They avoided Lian Dao's defense and used their strategies to keep the game tight. Hu Xuefeng found himself unable to pass effectively as the Iranian team consistently double-teamed Lian Dao.
Yi Jianlian missed another shot, but Wang Zhizhi managed to grab the rebound. His layup attempt was also missed, and Haddadi once again secured the defensive rebound.
The Iranian team used another double screen to set up Kamrani, who passed to Haddadi. Haddadi, unchallenged, hit a shot off the backboard.
Score: 9:9
The score was now tied, and Yao Ming, watching from the stands, had a serious expression. He noted the Iranian team's progress and their impressive performance compared to previous years.
With an average age of around 26 or 27, this young team was set to be a major force in Asian basketball for years to come.
On the court, the Chinese team struggled to find their rhythm. Wang Shipeng missed a three-pointer, but Lian Dao fought for the offensive rebound against Haddadi and managed to score.
Lian Dao, taking charge, passed to Hu Xuefeng and then set up a pick-and-roll with Yi Jianlian. After Yi Jianlian's screen freed him from Bahrami's defense, Lian Dao was able to drive past Sahakian and face Haddadi's defense.
With a swift move, Lian Dao maneuvered around Haddadi and delivered a powerful dunk.
Score: 9:11
Lian Dao's breakthrough dunk helped break the deadlock and sparked cheers from the crowd. His relentless scoring and ability to exploit the defense were on full display. Despite the Iranian team's double-teams, Lian Dao continued to shine, showcasing his ability to break through defenses and make plays.
The Iranian coach faced a dilemma: double-teaming Lian Dao was proving ineffective, and considering a three-man defense might leave the Chinese team's outside shooters open. Given the current situation, a three-man defense could lead to easy shots for the Chinese team, a risk the Iranian team was not willing to take.
The arena erupted with cheers as the crowd chanted, "China! China!".
The Chinese team, buoyed by the fans' support, held off another Iranian attack and looked poised to extend their lead.
With the Iranian team setting up their double team, Lian Dao called for the ball from Hu Xuefeng. As he received it, he dribbled behind his back, spun past Bahrami, and accelerated past Sahakian. Driving into the paint, he leaped for a dunk. Haddadi, trying to block, rose to meet him.
Despite Haddadi's height and wingspan, Lian Dao executed a spectacular in-air maneuver, switching hands to avoid the block, and slammed the ball into the basket.
"Bump!" "Beep!"
2+1!
Lian Dao powered over Haddadi, sending him crashing to the floor with his sheer strength. The dunk was a showcase of raw talent and dominance, and the crowd responded with thunderous applause. The roar of excitement, especially from the female fans, reached a fever pitch.
Lian Dao, still energized from the play, sunk the free throw to complete the three-point play.
Score: 9:14
The Iranian team called a timeout to regroup.
Yu Jia, in the broadcast booth, turned to Zhang Weiping. "This is Lian Dao's 12th point, isn't it?"
"Exactly," Zhang Weiping replied, his excitement palpable. "Even with other Chinese players struggling, Lian Dao has carried the offense. His dunk over the 2.18-meter Haddadi shows not just his physical talent, but also his toughness."
Yu Jia laughed. "Absolutely, Lian Dao's performance has been nothing short of domineering."
Zhang Weiping, though smiling, agreed wholeheartedly, recognizing the significance of Lian Dao's impact.
As the timeout ended, Haddadi was fouled by Wang Zhizhi during a layup attempt. Wang Zhizhi's second foul of the game, so early in the first quarter, was concerning for the Chinese team. Haddadi made one of two free throws, and then scored a layup, narrowing the gap.
Score: 12:16
Noticing the issue, Guo Shiqiang called another timeout. With few options to counter Haddadi's dominance in the center, Guo Shiqiang was in a bind. Su Wei, the backup center, would struggle against Haddadi, and the team needed to find a solution quickly.
Seeing Guo Shiqiang's dilemma, Lian Dao offered a solution. "I'll cover the fifth position."
Everyone turned to Lian Dao, and Guo Shiqiang hesitated. Though Lian Dao had proven his defensive capabilities in the NCAA, his height posed a challenge. Yet, with no better options, Guo Shiqiang decided to give it a try.
Lian Dao moved to the center position, and Zhu Fangyu took over the small forward role, creating a peak offensive lineup with all five players capable of shooting three-pointers.
Upon resuming play, the Iranian team was surprised to see Lian Dao in the center. On offense, Lian Dao orchestrated the play, calling Yi Jianlian for a pick-and-roll. After drawing a double team, he passed to Zhu Fangyu, who nailed an open three-pointer from the perimeter.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone