Chapter 86: Chapter 86: D-Wade's Euro Step, Tang Lei’s Counterattack
As the game began, the Warriors stuck with the same starting lineup they used against the Knicks. The Heat, however, countered with Richardson, Dragic, Winslow, Waiters, and Whiteside. In the opening jump ball, Whiteside's towering reach allowed him to easily outjump Cousins, securing first possession for Miami.
Richardson brought the ball up the court and passed it to Dragic, who, after a slick move, took a drifting three-pointer that swished through the net, giving the Heat the early edge. Though the Heat were far from their glory days of the Big Three, they were still a competitive team with strong fundamentals, miles ahead of the tanking Knicks. As the two teams went back and forth, neither side could pull away, even after half a quarter.
According to plan, Coach Kerr subbed out Curry, Durant, and Cousins, bringing in Tang Lei. At the same time, Miami's "Flash," Dwyane Wade, stepped onto the court, igniting an uproar from the home crowd. With Wade having announced his retirement at season's end, every appearance was a farewell, and Heat fans showed their appreciation for the three-time champion with a roaring ovation.
Warriors ball. Draymond Green brought the ball past midcourt, and Tang Lei circled out to ask for it. Green passed to him, and as soon as he caught it, Iguodala came up to set a screen. Tang Lei used the screen to switch onto Wade, taking in the sight of Wade's slightly fuller face with a smile. Without hesitation, he exploded off his first step, creating half a body's worth of separation. Wade, no longer the speedster he once was, tried to respond but couldn't match Tang Lei's pace. In one fluid motion, Tang Lei drove past him and executed a graceful switch-hand layup over Heat center Adebayo, watching the ball sail through the hoop.
Heat possession. This time, Wade himself brought the ball up the court. After a screen, he managed to switch onto Tang Lei and signaled his teammates to clear out, setting up an isolation play. Seeing this, Tang Lei lowered his center of gravity, prepared to take on the challenge. Wade brought the ball to midcourt, eyes gleaming with a spark of cunning, then made a sudden burst left before pivoting to cut to his right.
Wade's movements were sharp and fluid, but Tang Lei was right there with him, staying in step. Realizing Tang Lei was unshaken, Wade unleashed his signature move—the "Euro step." With a quick fake, he sent Tang Lei into the air before spinning around him and laying the ball gently into the hoop. The crowd erupted once more, thrilled by the sight of Wade's classic move making a comeback.
"Man, the Euro step's still got some magic," Tang Lei thought, mentally tipping his hat to Wade's skill and years of experience.
Back on offense, Tang Lei used a screen to switch onto Wade again. With a confident grin, Wade called over to him, "Not letting you through so easily this time, kid!" Tang Lei responded with a smile of his own before faking a rightward drive. Wade shifted his balance to cut off the drive, but Tang Lei quickly pulled the ball back to his left hand and rose up to shoot.
Realizing his mistake, Wade leaped to block, but he was half a step too slow. The ball flew from Tang Lei's hands with perfect form, cutting through the air toward the basket.
"Bang!" The ball went in cleanly, a three-pointer that left the crowd stunned.
With a grin, Tang Lei made an "OK" sign to celebrate, basking in the satisfaction of his shot. Not only had he scored over Wade, but he'd also claimed his rhythm on the court. On the Warriors' bench, Curry, Durant, and the others were on their feet, cheering enthusiastically.
Tang Lei's strong performance lifted the Warriors' spirits even further, solidifying their lead as they continued to push forward.
...
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
WANG_MAX
WANG_MAX Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone