บท 62: Chapter 62: Praise in Person
"Is Iverson still on the court?"
Fans watching the live broadcast were shocked to see Iverson on the court. "He only rested for three minutes in the first three quarters. Is he going to play the entire game?"
A 48-minute game, playing 45 minutes is almost the same as playing the entire game.
"He's a 37-year-old veteran!"
"Is Gentry trying to kill Iverson? This is his strategy?"
"Without Wade Dong on the court, does Gentry even know how to use his players?"
"I feel bad for our old Iverson. He's really an iron man."
"I think Iverson himself doesn't want to rest. That's his attitude towards the game."
Fans were discussing Iverson not resting in the fourth quarter and calling for Wade Dong to return soon, as a 37-year-old veteran shouldn't be pushed this hard.
However, when Iverson stepped onto the court, the fans didn't see any signs of fatigue. He was still full of fighting spirit.
The Suns' relentless defense and Iverson's unstoppable offense continued to widen the score gap.
With 8 minutes and 36 seconds left in the game, the Clippers called a timeout and brought in their main players. The Suns only brought Nash back on, with Nash and Iverson leading the reserves until the final minute.
103:119!
With 46 seconds left in the game, the Clippers gave up.
After Iverson came off the court, Wade Dong gave him a light punch on the chest. Iverson stumbled.
Wade Dong quickly supported Iverson by the shoulder and laughed, "Idol, I thought you wouldn't get tired."
"Damn it," Iverson said with a bitter face, "I'm already 37..."
...
In the Chinese live broadcast room:
Yu Jia, "I really didn't expect that without Wade Dong, the Suns could still win away against the Clippers."
Zhang Coach, "In the regular season, the Suns' record against the Clippers was 3:1. Although Wade Dong wasn't there this time, Iverson exploded. Playing an offensive game with the Suns, few teams can match them."
Yu Jia, "This year in the playoffs, Iverson seems to have regained his peak form."
Zhang Coach, "This is his last chance to win the championship."
Yu Jia, "With Wade Dong returning in the next game, it looks like this series will end in four games."
...
Game statistics:
Iverson: 37 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 0 blocks
Nash: 21 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks
Hill: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Griffin: 32 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Paul: 27 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks
Iverson once again scored the game-high 37 points, which was his third consecutive game leading the Suns in scoring. With three players scoring over 20 points, the Suns easily won the game.
...
After winning Game 1, the Suns were even more relaxed. That night, after returning to the hotel, Gentry invited Wade Dong, Nash, Iverson, and Hill to have a late-night snack outside the hotel.
"AI, you've been on fire lately," Wade Dong joked. "Are you coming for my FMVP?"
Iverson laughed, "As long as we win the championship, the FMVP can go to anyone, but of course, it would be better if it's me."
"Hahaha..."
Nash and Hill also laughed.
The atmosphere in the Suns locker room had always been good, and it seemed even better since Wade Dong joined.
Moreover, now that they were familiar with Wade Dong, Nash and the others realized that Wade Dong was a trustworthy person both on and off the court.
"Old Monk," Iverson also called Nash by Wade Dong's nickname for him, using the Chinese pronunciation. "We both entered the league in '96. It's been fifteen or sixteen years in the blink of an eye."
"Indeed, time flies. We've become veterans," Nash sighed.
"Ahem."
Hill coughed and reminded them, "There's also someone here who entered the league in '94."
"Hahaha..."
Nash cupped his hands and joked, "Senior, my respects."
Iverson said, "I've played in the Finals once, and you've played in several Western Conference Finals, but I have the most confidence in winning the championship this year."
"Hahaha..."
Gentry laughed and asked, "Is it because of Wade Dong? When was the last time you encountered such a strong player?"
"Me?"
Iverson pointed to his nose.
"Hmm..."
Nash teased, "Why don't you mention me? I have two regular season MVPs, and you only have one."
Hill said, "Seriously, I can't think of the last time we encountered a player as strong as Wade Dong. AI? Kobe? James? Olajuwon? Or... Jordan?"
"Jordan???"
Jordan is considered the greatest of all time. Everyone hadn't thought deeply about this question before, but now that they thought about it, Wade Dong's strength was indeed reminiscent of Jordan.
When Wade Dong first entered the NBA, he scored 37 points in a single quarter. At that time, he was considered a top-tier shooter. As he played more games, everyone realized how versatile Wade Dong was. He could defend from the 1 position to the 5 position, steal the ball, block shots, score effortlessly in one-on-one situations, and had top-tier shooting ability. Even Jordan might not compare in this regard.
At least Jordan wasn't particularly good at three-pointers.
Nash said, "The main thing is that we still haven't seen Wade Dong's limit. What do you think is Wade Dong's limit?"
"I don't know either," Wade Dong shook his head, feeling a bit smug from the praise. He laughed, "You guys, can't you praise me behind my back?!"
"Uh..."
Nash and Iverson only then realized they had been praising him too enthusiastically, forgetting that the person in question was sitting right next to them.
After a simple late-night snack, Wade Dong and the others chatted happily. As they were about to finish, Gentry said, "In the next game, Wade Dong, you'll still play the 4 position. We aim to end this series in our home court."
Since the Suns had a lower regular season ranking than the Clippers, the first two games were at the Clippers' home court, and the next two games were at the Suns' home court.
Gentry's meaning was clear: end the series in four games!
"Okay!" Wade Dong nodded.
Nash smiled, "With Wade Dong back, I'm even more confident."
"At least I won't be so tired. Playing over 40 minutes in a game, these old bones really can't take it," Iverson also said.
Gentry laughed, "I told you to rest, but you weren't willing."
Hill said, "I can't wait for the next game. It's getting more and more interesting."
"Let's all work hard," Gentry said. "After the Clippers, the following games will be even tougher."
"Mm-hmm."
At this point, Wade Dong and the others became serious.
Looking at the current situation, the Suns' next opponent would be either the Lakers or the Thunder, both tough teams to beat.
Currently, the teams most likely to advance to the Finals from the East are the Bulls and the Heat, which are also not easy opponents. The road to the championship is long and arduous.
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