Chapter 39: Michael Jordan is Not This Audacious
To be honest, when Kenny Smith first marveled, many NBA executives in front of the TV were stirred... The NBA needs this kind of flashy point guard. Even if he doesn't get regular minutes, he can still get cheers in garbage time. Moreover, Bruce's passing skills are so outstanding. If his physicality improves, he could be a rare second-unit point guard.
And when Li Zhen boldly collided with PJ Tucker, managing to score while nearing a state of loss of control, creating an and one opportunity, the moods of those executives couldn't help but surge. They even felt a palpitation.
These seasoned basketball people weren't just applauding Bruce Li for his aggression... In NCAA, there are many daredevils like him. Aggression is not an essential talent for a point guard.
However, Li Zhen was still able to softly put the basketball into the basket even in a state of chaos, a feat that made them gasp in amazement. This high-intensity finishing ability in the face of strong opposition is precisely the rare talent that makes a point guard stand out.
Many players excel in driving to the hoop, but when faced with strong defense, their shooting percentage plummets.
However, Li Zhen seemed to have no trouble in this regard.
His flexibility is at a top-notch NBA level.
Although flexibility is a hidden talent, it's crucial. Many players with super bounce and physicality falter because they lack a bit of flexibility... and eventually fade into obscurity.
As the NBA executives watched Li Zhen's continuous performance, they couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. They were even experiencing a palpable sensation.
When Li Zhen made his move again, he burst out like lightning... his steps were incredibly fast, and his explosive power caught everyone off guard.
Poor Daniel Gibson certainly didn't expect it.
Puff!
When Bruce Li came at him, he suddenly felt a tremendous impact head-on. This force far exceeded what he could withstand or anticipate. As a result, not only did he halt his steps, but he also staggered backward.
Just as he awkwardly retreated, Li Zhen's long arm, following the twist of his body, landed perfectly on the basketball he held... Snap!
With a dull sound, the basketball flew behind him. At the same time, Li Zhen had already dashed forward.
He was like a fierce lightning, instantly grabbing the basketball.
And launching into a lightning-fast attack, he arrived in the front court in an instant. When he was about a meter away from the free-throw line, Bruce Li suddenly pushed off forcefully. His body soared upward, holding the ball with one hand... When his figure fully extended, there was an indescribable sense of grace!
"Is he going for a dunk? Why am I reminded of Michael Jordan??"
Kenny Smith's exclamation was transmitted synchronously to the audience in front of the TV.
In fact, the viewers in front of the TV had long been stunned by the images on the screen: My goodness. Wasn't this guy supposed to have poor physicality? Why does he give us a feeling of flying? My gosh, he really resembles Michael Jordan, doesn't he???
Swish!
In the end, Li Zhen chose to make a layup.
But from the footage, he could have dunked the basketball into the hoop.
However, there was no need for that.
"A layup is the most correct choice. Forcing a dunk in this elegant and ethereal style would disrupt its beauty."
Kenny Smith emphasized.
The replay on TV also confirmed his argument.
Indeed, if he had attempted a dunk, it would have marred the elegance. It was better to go for a layup with this kind of effortless and graceful motion.
The cheers in the San Diego Arena confirmed it all.
The phone calls that those NBA managers quickly made also confirmed the impact of this play... 'Hurry! Hurry! Have the scouting department collect all the information on the number 10 player from the Stanford Cardinals team.'
If Li Zhen's previous brilliant assist demonstrated his passing talent, entertainment value, and potential ticket-selling ability.
If Bruce's high intensity and one under strong opposition showcased his top-notch flexibility!
Then, this steal followed by a basket completely demonstrates his gifted potential.
Those who can become managers in various NBA clubs are mostly seasoned individuals in the basketball world. They can discern the potential of young players from subtle movements. And just now, Li Zhen demonstrated not only explosiveness, flexibility, and jumping ability, but also... his sharp basketball judgment. He can capture the opponent's dribbling trajectory in the fastest time and complete a steal, which is an extremely outstanding talent.
Since he has already demonstrated so many talents, it's like discovering emerald in a pile of what initially looked plain or even somewhat shabby rocks. Why not take a chance? After all... all drafts are gambles. It's just that those high-ranked guys show more green, but there's still a possibility of completely discarding them.
At this moment, this Stanford point guard has acquired value to be purchased.
So, of course, it's necessary to make a move when other potential buyers haven't noticed yet, and quickly gather the most comprehensive information about him.
However.
Li Zhen's performance isn't over yet.
Even after he brought the score back to within four points, the Longhorns didn't call for a timeout. Instead, they instructed their players to continue the attack and maintain the pace.
Gibson was especially cautious this time.
However, when he brought the ball to the front court, Li Zhen's defense against him escalated once again. Although he didn't make a direct steal, he made Gibson's passing very difficult... he was completely covered at the arc. In the end, Aldridge came out to receive the ball.
When the power forward stepped beyond the three-point line, the Longhorns' offensive system was essentially compromised. They could only let Aldridge go for an isolation play.
But when he dribbled to the free-throw line and prepared to shoot, Li Zhen suddenly, like lightning, doubled back and ruthlessly snatched the basketball from his arms as if he were a robber.
Then he charged forward forcefully, with Gibson in close pursuit.
However, Li Zhen didn't have any hesitation at all.
He rushed to a spot one meter away from the three-point line, took off directly, and then released the shot!
He was very confident.
His confidence even prompted the San Diego Arena to start cheering prematurely.
Swish!
When the three-point shot hit the basket.
With the gap between the two teams reduced to just one point.
The Longhorns were stunned, even their coach hadn't reacted: In an instant, did Bruce Li just lead an 8-0 run all by himself?
And just as they hesitated whether to call a timeout or not.
Smack!
Just as Aldridge had released the basketball, Li Zhen made a swift move as if he was executing a quick raid. He pushed Daniel Gibson aside and snatched the ball.
He originally had a direct opportunity for a layup. But instead, he ran all the way to the bottom corner beyond the three-point line, then took off, and released the shot... Swish!
The basketball hit the basket once again!!
The entire San Diego Arena erupted.
The cheers reached their peak with the three-pointer's success.
In fact, the viewers in front of the TV went wild too.
What's going on? What is Bruce Li doing? In less than a minute and twenty seconds, did he just score 11 points?
Did Stanford take the lead?
This is like a miraculous moment comparable to Reggie Miller or Tracy McGrady!
I actually witnessed the birth of a miracle?
"Even Michael Jordan wasn't this audacious," Kenny Smith murmured to himself.
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