Chương 120: The Knicks’ Awakening
Lian Dao calmly sank the free throw, pushing the score to 5-0.
No one expected the Knicks to start the game with a 5-0 run against the Heat.
This time, Mario Chalmers brought the ball across half court. As usual, Wade called for it. Chalmers hesitated but passed it to him anyway. Everyone knew Wade was frustrated. Being outplayed by a rookie was something no one could have imagined, but it was happening. Still, Wade was the Heat's leader, and no one would question his decisions.
Wade caught the ball and locked eyes with Lian Dao, who was guarding him.
"Rookie, you've made a mistake by angering me. Now you'll face the consequences," Wade muttered as he dribbled, preparing for a drive.
But Lian Dao remained unfazed, almost indifferent. Wade's taunt seemed to bounce off him, leaving the Heat star feeling like he'd just thrown a punch into thin air.
Since words didn't shake his opponent, Wade decided it was time to let his game do the talking.
For the first time since his injury, Wade went full force into a drive. With a quick hesitation move and a burst of speed, he took his first step, only to feel a strange sensation in his left knee—a reminder of the strain he was putting on it. He knew pushing his knee like this could risk re-injury, but he was determined to teach this rookie a lesson.
To his surprise, Lian Dao stayed with him, matching his speed stride for stride. Wade quickly adjusted, pulling back and stepping into a three-point shot. But as he rose, so did Lian Dao, with a hand that seemed to block out the arena lights.
Startled by Lian Dao's quick reaction and impressive wingspan, Wade adjusted his shot mid-air, leaning back to create space and shooting higher.
*Clang*
The ball rattled off the rim. Paul Millsap secured the rebound.
The Heat, wary of the Knicks' transition game, quickly retreated to prevent a fast break. Millsap handed the ball to Chris Duhon, who advanced it steadily across half court before passing to Lian Dao.
This time, Wade was guarding Lian Dao directly. After a quick hesitation dribble, Lian Dao made a strong move to his right. Despite utilizing the fastest first step, Wade, with his defensive experience, managed to stay in front, blocking the path to the basket.
Realizing he couldn't shake Wade off with the drive, Lian Dao pulled back to the three-point line. Wade, sensing an opportunity, lunged forward to contest.
Lian Dao calmly pulled up for a three.
Wade, slightly out of position, leaped to challenge the shot but was just a step too late.
*Swish*
8:0.
Same spot, same shot, but this time it was over Wade.
Wade couldn't hide his frustration. He had just missed the exact shot Lian Dao had made. The rookie turned to Wade and said coolly, "I make the shots you can't."
Wade's face darkened. He wanted to respond, to teach this rookie a lesson, but Coach Spoelstra's voice cut through his thoughts. The coach was shouting at him to focus on teamwork instead of getting drawn into a one-on-one battle.
Wade clenched his jaw, signaling his acknowledgment to Spoelstra. He realized that winning this game was more important than his pride. For now, he'd have to let go of his personal battle with Lian Dao.
As he got back on defense, Wade couldn't help but wonder: Are today's rookies just that good, or am I getting old? But he quickly shook off the thought. He was only 28, still in his prime. No, it's just this rookie... he's something else.
On the next possession, Wade called for a pick-and-roll from Jermaine O'Neal. The screen was solid, allowing Wade to break free from Lian Dao and drive to the hoop. With a quick move, he slipped past Paul Millsap and David Lee, finishing with a smooth layup.
8:2.
Coach Spoelstra nodded approvingly from the bench. Meanwhile, Chris Duhon brought the ball up for the Knicks, passing it to Lian Dao once again. Wade, now fully locked in, was determined to stop him this time.
Lian Dao dribbled on the perimeter, deliberately exposing what seemed like a gap in his ball handling. Wade, ever the seasoned defender, saw his chance and went for the steal. But it was a trap. Lian Dao swiftly pulled the ball back and exploded past Wade with a quick first step.
Michael Beasley, abandoning his man, stepped up to challenge Lian Dao. But Lian Dao coolly bounced the ball through Beasley's legs, finding Millsap wide open under the basket.
Millsap finished with a thunderous dunk.
10:2.
The arena buzzed with excitement. The precise pass and perfect execution left the Heat reeling. Beasley, embarrassed, hung his head. He was only in his second year, but being schooled by a rookie felt like a blow to his pride.
Wade, now fully aware of the challenge before him, couldn't help but respect Lian Dao. He'd never faced a player who combined speed, strength, and basketball IQ like this. For the first time, Wade started to question the Heat's chances against the Knicks.
The Knicks were no longer the bottom-dwellers of last season. With Lian Dao leading the charge, they were a force to be reckoned with.
The next possession, Wade fed the ball to O'Neal in the post. David Lee tried to hold his ground, but O'Neal was too strong. He muscled his way to the basket and scored.
10:4.
Before the Heat could even blink, Millsap grabbed the ball, racing to the baseline for a quick inbound pass. This was D'Antoni's "Seven Seconds or Less" offense at its finest. Fast-paced, relentless.
Lian Dao took the pass from Duhon at midcourt, calling for a screen from Millsap. In a flash, he was barreling down the lane, drawing the Heat defense like moths to a flame. Just as the defense collapsed, he whipped a no-look pass to David Lee, who had slipped to the right elbow.
Lee, with a fluid motion, rose and released the mid-range jumper.
*Swish*
12:4.
Lian Dao's vision was on full display. Despite being surrounded by defenders, he had pinpointed Lee's exact position. The replay on the big screen showed the pass from every angle, leaving the crowd and commentators in awe.
This wasn't just a rookie making lucky plays—this was a player with extraordinary talent.
The Heat knew now: They were up against a completely different Knicks team.
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