Capítulo 17: Even Conley Couldn't Hold Him Back!
All the players on the sidelines were stunned.
That's it?
It wasn't just the 3-0 sweep; it was how quickly everything happened. Every one of Jiang Lin's attacks was smooth as silk. A player of Gay's size didn't affect him at all!
It felt like they were playing against a high schooler, so easy and effortless??
Keep in mind, Rudy Gay is 7cm taller than Jiang Lin, with a wingspan of 2.21 meters, even longer than Prince's. This means his defensive range should compensate for any footwork issues when guarding a guard.
Even so, he was thoroughly outplayed!
The players on the sidelines knew how formidable Gay's defense was. Typically, if he raised his arms, you wouldn't have any space. This showed that Jiang Lin's first step and dribbling details were perfect, allowing for such fluid movement. If he had been even slightly slower, Gay's long arms would have pinned him to the backboard!
Gay shrugged as he stepped off the court. There was nothing he could do. Those were the rules; he didn't even get an offensive chance. The only time he touched the ball was to pass it.
If it were him on offense, it would have been a guaranteed score. Given his size, he could back down Jiang Lin and easily score as many points as needed…
"This kid has something… no wonder he could shake off LeBron."
Hollins called him over: "Why did you lose?"
"I couldn't keep up; he's too fast."
Gay stuck out his tongue. He was a humorous, playful guy off the court. Losing was losing; he admitted it straightforwardly. His footwork just couldn't keep up.
Hollins nodded, noting that Jiang Lin used a mid-range shot once. His form and posture showed that he had practiced it for a long time, hitting it steadily. This was something he hadn't shown with the Lakers!
If he was this consistent, he would be a sharp weapon!
"Good job, good job, Conley, it's your turn!" The owner was thrilled, having grown accustomed to the Grizzlies' monotonous offense. Watching Jiang Lin's flashy crossovers and other moves delighted him, and he clapped on the sidelines.
More than half of the Grizzlies' points came from the inside, which, while advantageous, was unbalanced. This wasn't the defensive era of the Pistons' championship; the backcourt needed to provide solid support.
He was starting to like this player.
However, it was still early. The next challenges were the toughest.
The next two defenders played the same position as Jiang Lin. Hollins had chosen three defenders of different styles: Gay was a shot-blocking expert, Conley a one-on-one steal king, and Tony Allen an all-around defensive monster.
If Jiang Lin could beat these two, he deserved the contract, and all the team members would be convinced. It would be a fitting initiation ceremony.
Conley, now with a buzz cut and broad shoulders, immediately spread his arms wide in front of Jiang Lin. If Jiang Lin dared to dribble in front of him, he was confident he could steal it right away!
Jiang Lin didn't dare to be careless. This was the Grizzlies' all-time steals leader, currently in his physical prime, faster and more reactive than him!
However, the more he played against top players, the more excited he became!
Starting with a triple threat move to probe for space, Conley instantly adjusted his defensive position.
But in a one-on-one, the triple threat becomes a double threat since there's no passing threat.
But that was enough.
Jiang Lin didn't make any fake shooting moves. What he needed was space for his first dribble. Against someone as small and quick as Conley, most people couldn't even put the ball down in front of him.
So, after a side-step feint, Jiang Lin successfully dribbled to create space, followed by a series of moves that made everyone exclaim in amazement.
He dribbled low and fast, hugging the ground, making it impossible for Conley to steal the ball with such dazzling dribbling!
GroundShaker!
Adding a crossover move, Jiang Lin got to the left side. Conley kept up.
At this moment, Jiang Lin suddenly slowed his dribble, as if it dropped to 1% speed, making a slow crossover.
This move!
"So smooth!!" Even Randolph was mesmerized. This was the charm of basketball, the rhythm change.
But exposing the ball in front of Conley, he lunged to force a turnover, and Jiang Lin spun behind his back to block Conley's right hand.
"Damn!" Conley was shocked, desperately sticking close, but Jiang Lin used his core strength to drive right, blocking Conley behind him.
When an NBA player could hold off someone like Conley with half a body's width, it meant the defender had completely failed!
A point guard losing a one-on-one meant an open lane.
Sure enough, Jiang Lin, 11cm taller, powered his way past Conley to the basket.
Finishing with a behind-the-back fake and a reverse layup, this was Crawford's signature move, completing all three steps behind the back, leaving the assistant coaches and refs stunned.
The final finger roll was smooth and stylish!
"He really knows how to use his body!" Conley had seen many streetball players who avoided contact, but Jiang Lin actively sought it, maintaining the same rhythm and seeking physical contact. If he hadn't done that, Conley could have caught up with his speed. But Jiang Lin matched his rhythm and sought the body contact, making Conley wish his arms were 20cm longer to barely interfere from the side!
One point!
Tony Allen was now silent. This play showed real skill. It wasn't just about flashy moves; the key was the final behind-the-back dribble that lured Conley into a trap, seizing the position. Against players of their level, it was all about the details, and Jiang Lin nailed it!
The second point was very simple.
This time, Conley didn't stick too close to Jiang Lin's double threat. Jiang Lin, facing a shorter opponent, took one step and shot a mid-range jumper. It went in!
Steady as a rock!
"Is this guy really in his first year in the NBA??" Pera asked Wallace. He had just heard Jiang Lin's name that afternoon, and now he was watching his best players being dominated…
"I don't know if he's new to the States, but I've never seen anyone so strong at one-on-one!" GM Chris Wallace couldn't help but grab the contract!
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