Capítulo 546: Chapter 546: Sweep the Trail Blazers and Advance to the Western Conference Finals
After Wade Dong and Feng Yuxiu left the arena, they headed straight to the airport.
There was still plenty of time...
On the way to the airport, Wade Dong didn't watch the live broadcast of the game; he trusted his teammates to secure the victory. Upon arriving at the airport, thanks to Luo Qingyan's arrangements, Wade and Feng smoothly boarded their flight without drawing any attention.
This experience reinforced Wade's thought.
He definitely needed to buy a private jet during the offseason; it would make traveling between America and China much more convenient. Plus, when his child grew older, they could frequently visit Phoenix to watch their dad play.
...
After Wade left, the second half of the game began.
"Wade went for therapy again?"
Stotts noted Wade's absence and muttered, "He played so fiercely in the first half despite being injured?"
Wade had played 24 minutes in the first half, shooting 13 for 19 for 35 points, with 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks—this was already more than any player had in the entire game.
"Wade's not here in the second half; this is our chance!"
Stotts encouraged his players, but seeing their drooping spirits made him sigh.
With this mentality, even if they weren't trailing at halftime or playing at home, winning would be extremely difficult...
Frye said, "Coach, I believe we can go further next season!"
"Exactly! Losing to the Suns isn't embarrassing!"
Matthews added, "We've worked hard, but this team is unbeatable."
Even Jordan and Russell had stated that this Suns team was historically strong; even the '96 Bulls were weaker by a margin compared to this Suns team.
...
The third quarter began.
Lillard organized an offensive play while passing to Aldridge. Aldridge returned it to Lillard before getting it back again.
"G~~~"
As time was running out on their possession, Aldridge's turnaround jumper missed.
Seeing this unfold, Gentry unscrewed his thermos and told his bench players, "Get ready to come in; the Trail Blazers have lost all hope of winning."
"Warwick, do you want to get some minutes too?"
"Sure!"
Warwick stretched his wrists. "With Wade out, I have some free time; I'll go up against the Trail Blazers' starters for a bit."
88:47!!!
Seven minutes into the third quarter, with Curry hitting a three-pointer, the Suns led by 41 points.
Gentry also made substitutions.
Warwick, Tucker, Dinwiddie, Yi Nan, and Whiteside entered the game!
The Trail Blazers pulled their starters as well... thus Warwick's dream of going head-to-head with Portland's main lineup was dashed.
After that point, two-thirds of fans turned off their broadcasts; nearly half of those in attendance left early... this game was over.
...
"Beep!!!"
With the referee's whistle signaling the end of the game,
119:80!!!
The Suns achieved a massive 39-point victory over the Trail Blazers on their home court. They swept Portland 4-0 in the second round of playoffs and advanced to face either the Lakers or Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.
Game Statistics:
- Wade Dong: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks
- Curry: 31 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
- Durant: 21 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists
- Lillard: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
- Aldridge: 23 points, 9 rebounds
...
After the game concluded, both head coaches embraced each other in greeting.
Stotts pulled Gentry's hand. "Coach Gentry, I want to join your staff as an assistant next season—would you welcome me?"
"Of course!"
Gentry replied with a smile. "If you come to my team, I'll give you my head coach position; I'll be your assistant."
"Hahaha... I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you while you're joking!"
Stotts laughed as he patted Gentry on the back and dropped the topic about joining as an assistant coach.
Gortat and Frye approached their former teammates and asked: "Where did Dong go?"
"Uh..."
Curry rubbed his chin and fabricated a reason. "Dong's ankle is still a bit uncomfortable; he went to the hospital."
"What hospital? We'll go right now!"
Gortat and Frye showed concern; they felt that Wade had been performing well in the first half—why would he suddenly go to a hospital?
"Not here."
Curry leaned closer to Frye and whispered: "Dong went back to China for treatment because their medical skills are superior. Honestly, you guys don't need to worry; his ankle isn't a serious injury."
"Then there's no need to rush..."
"The main thing is that you're not opponents anymore!"
Green interjected directly so Gortat wouldn't ask too many questions. "Dong respected you guys enough by playing two quarters; there's really no need for him to wait until after the game."
"Oh... that makes sense..."
With Green saying so, Gortat and Frye stopped pressing for more details.
Curry felt justified in what he said; if Dong's wife was indeed about to give birth then it made sense for him to return home for medical care.
...
The next day at noon, Wade Dong returned to China.
Upon entering his home after arriving back,
He found that his child had just fallen asleep. This thwarted Wade's plan of playing with his child—if he dared wake them up now, Qi Juan would surely come in wielding a knife!
For children under one year old, sleep schedules are often unpredictable; most kids cry for a while after waking up.
"My son is so handsome..."
Looking at his sleeping child brought a smile of paternal affection to Wade's face.
Li Jiajia was recovering well; not only did she have two mothers helping her out but also a professional postpartum caregiver arranged by Director Han.
With temperatures sometimes reaching over thirty degrees Celsius in May—according to old beliefs about postpartum care where one shouldn't be exposed to cold air—Qi Juan might have initially refused air conditioning. However, this belief is outdated; as long as air conditioning isn't blowing directly on someone it can be used safely. After receiving advice from their caregiver regarding air conditioning use, Qi Juan accepted it gladly.
"I'll go take a shower first; remember to call me when our son wakes up."
Wade pecked Li Jiajia on her forehead before leaving the bedroom.
He had rushed straight from playing a game in America back home without showering yet. Although he hadn't sweated much during the first half of playtime, being away from home for an entire day left him feeling somewhat unclean.
After washing up,
Wade lay down next to Li Jiajia and fell asleep. About two hours later their child woke up crying.
Hearing his baby's cries,
Wade picked up a rattle and started playing with him while mumbling: "Call Daddy..."
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