Kapitel 22: The Young and the Feisty
"Swish!"
The crisp sound of the net was heard.
It was also a mid-range shot, but while Anthony missed, Wang Chong made his shot steadily. The contrast between the two was stark.
Of course, the difficulty of their shots was completely different. Anthony was handling the ball, looking for an opportunity to attack with a difficult pull-up jump shot, while Wang Chong was shooting from a fixed spot, facing little interference from the defense.
In the first two rounds, Syracuse University's attacks ended in failure, while Marquette University scored consecutively, taking a 4:0 lead.
Syracuse University's coach could no longer contain his frustration. He stood on the sidelines and shouted to the players on the court, "Don't rush. Play it slow and steady. We have to be stronger than the opponent as a team. Execute the No. 3 play!"
Syracuse University's No. 3 play was also a pick-and-roll tactic.
Apart from one-on-one plays, basketball tactics are centered around passing, cutting, and pick-and-rolls.
This time, Anthony did not attack directly. Instead, the point guard handled the ball, while Anthony positioned himself outside the three-point line. His teammates set off-ball screens, and as soon as Wang Chong was screened, Anthony cut towards the basket, finishing with a layup after a confrontation under the hoop.
If Anthony continues playing this way, Wang Chong would have little chance, as this was no longer a simple one-on-one duel but a battle between two teams.
However, it was clear that despite the successful score, Anthony was dissatisfied with the style of play.
He was the brightest star in the NCAA, a well-known player, a favorite for the No. 1 draft pick, a future NBA All-Star, and even a potential superstar.
After being thwarted by Wang Chong in the first two rounds of the NCAA finals, Anthony was determined to vent his frustration!
Thus, after just one round of team tactics, Anthony demanded the ball to take on Wang Chong directly.
Facing Wang Chong's staunch defense, Anthony was indeed able to score, particularly when he used his strength to drive into the paint for a layup. Given the clear difference in strength, Wang Chong struggled to defend effectively.
Even though Wang Chong's physique was stronger than Durant's at the same stage, it was still only above average, leaving him at a disadvantage against top forwards like Anthony.
Yet, Anthony's offensive efficiency was notably diminished under Wang Chong's defense.
In the first quarter, Anthony scored 6 points on 3 of 7 shooting attempts, but in the second quarter, he rested for most of the period and managed only 2 points. By halftime, his personal tally was just 8 points.
This was not unusual for an NCAA game, where total team scores often range around 60 to 70 points. Scoring over 20 points is considered a high achievement.
But for Anthony, a prolific scorer who could easily rack up 30+ points, scoring only 8 points in the first half with a shooting percentage just above 40% was considered a failure!
At the start of the third quarter, Anthony, unable to accept his performance, increased his isolation plays, aiming to decisively outplay Wang Chong on the offensive end.
Yet, the situation did not unfold as he had hoped.
Feeling the heightened offensive pressure from Anthony, Wang Chong knew the moment was right.
Marquette University was on offense, and after Wang Chong and Wade once again collaborated in a pick-and-roll for a mid-range shot, Wang Chong gave a slight shrug at Anthony.
"Is that all? I thought the famous Carmelo Anthony was supposed to be strong, but you seem pretty average. My current score is higher than yours."
By the end of the first half, Anthony had 8 points, while Wang Chong had already scored 10. In the first few minutes of the third quarter, Wang Chong added another mid-range shot, bringing his personal score to 12.
Not only was Wang Chong scoring higher than Anthony, but his shooting percentage was also significantly better.
Wang Chong's scoring was unrelated to Anthony's defense. Although Wang Chong was guarded by Syracuse University's center, Warrick, Wang Chong's points were still impressive.
Yet, Wang Chong's taunts caused Anthony to flush with anger.
"This kid is getting out of hand!"
If Wade had said this, Anthony might not have been so enraged, given Wade's outstanding performance in the semi-finals that made him a worthy competitor.
But Wang Chong was just an unknown role player. What right did he have to provoke him?
"I'll make you pay!"
Anthony said through gritted teeth, his frustration evident.
Wang Chong, hearing Anthony's words, was not surprised but pleased.
What he wanted was for Anthony to be blinded by anger.
Sure enough, in the next round, Anthony eagerly took the ball and aggressively attacked Wang Chong.
The two players collided fiercely, and while Anthony knocked Wang Chong down, Wang Chong clung to him, giving his all to defend.
But Wang Chong's resistance seemed inconsequential to Anthony.
Anthony sneered, "Is this it? I thought you were stronger, but you're so easy to push around?"
Anthony echoed Wang Chong's earlier provocation, but Wang Chong remained unfazed. He glanced to the side and, upon seeing a familiar figure, smiled.
Wade suddenly dashed from the side, and together with Wang Chong, they trapped Anthony in a double team.
Anthony was caught off guard, and Wade seized the opportunity to steal the ball from him.
Anthony: "!!!"
Watching Wade sprint towards the backcourt with the ball, Anthony cursed inwardly.
"Damn it! Young people have no honor! They actually double-teamed and played dirty! I'm only 20 years old..."
While Anthony was still fuming and criticizing the cunning Wang Chong, Wang Chong had already hidden his achievements and fame.
Double-teaming was a common defensive tactic in basketball, especially in the NBA.
Basketball is ultimately a team sport. Who says it has to be played one-on-one?
When facing a superstar who's impossible to guard, double-teaming is the best way to neutralize the threat.
Wang Chong had not used the double team earlier, deliberately letting Anthony lower his guard. He was waiting for this exact moment.
End of this chapter
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